UPND’s Chitembo wins Chilubi seat

The political landscape of the Northern Province has shifted slightly following the official declaration of Mathias Chitembo as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Chilubi Constituency. Representing the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), Chitembo clinched victory by polling a decisive 10,429 votes, marking a significant milestone for the party in a region historically perceived as an opposition stronghold. According to the official results announced by Returning Officer John Longwe, the electoral contest was marked by robust competition among several contenders. Chitembo outperformed his closest challenger, Mulenga Fube of the NRPUP, who managed to pull in 7,574 votes. Meanwhile, Obious Chisala of the CDP finished with 5,306 votes, and independent candidate Christabel Kalasa rounded out the race by polling 3,679 votes. Despite the enthusiasm that brought thousands of voters to the polling stations across the island and mainland wards, election officials noted logistical challenges reflected in the ballot box metrics. Out of a total of 32,418 votes cast, no fewer than 1,460 ballot papers were rejected. Civil society observers and local stakeholders have already pointed to this high rejection rate as an urgent call to action for intensified civic and voter education ahead of future electoral cycles. For the ruling UPND, capturing the Chilubi seat represents a strategic psychological and numerical victory as the administration looks to cement its national footprint and broaden its legislative backing outside its traditional support bases. Party insiders have hailed the outcome as evidence that the ruling party's developmental message is resonating deeply with grassroots communities in rural and island constituencies that have long craved accelerated infrastructure and economic integration. As Honourable Chitembo prepares to take his oath and assume office at Manda Hill, expectations from the electorate remain exceptionally high. Constituents