I WOULDN’T AGREE THAT UPND WOULD WIN AUGUST POLLS BY 98%, SAYS AMOS CHANDA

LUSAKA – Amos Chanda, a well-known personality within Zambia's political circles and a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND) media team, has distanced himself from overly optimistic predictions regarding the party's performance in the forthcoming August 13 general elections. Chanda, who previously served as Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, made headlines by asserting that he would not agree with any notion that the UPND would secure a resounding 98% victory. His comments, which have since garnered significant attention, highlight a pragmatic assessment of the electoral race. Chanda articulated that the August polls, widely anticipated across the nation, are fundamentally a direct contest involving the incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and his various challengers. This perspective implicitly acknowledges the competitive nature of Zambian politics, where no single party or candidate is typically expected to achieve such an overwhelming majority, especially in a multi-party democratic system. Chanda's statement comes amidst a charged political atmosphere as Zambia gears up for one of its most pivotal elections. While political parties often project confidence and aim for decisive victories, a 98% win margin is exceedingly rare in democratic elections, even for highly popular incumbents. His remarks could be interpreted as an attempt to manage expectations within the UPND camp and among its supporters, fostering a more realistic outlook on the electoral outcome and potentially guarding against complacency. For observers and political analysts, Chanda's intervention provides a valuable insight into the internal discourse within the UPND. It suggests a recognition that despite the party's strong base and campaign efforts, the electorate remains diverse and discerning. The upcoming elections are not just about presidential candidates but also about parliamentary and