UPND Sweeps By-Elections, Presidency Demands Immediate Delivery from Winners

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has secured all 14 parliamentary, mayoral and ward by-elections held across eight provinces, with the Presidency calling on newly elected leaders to prioritise development and service delivery.

Speaking during a press briefing at State House today, Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Levy Ngoma said the party’s clean sweep, reflects growing public confidence in the UPND’s governance agenda and strengthening national appeal.

Mr. Ngoma said the peaceful conduct of the elections was further evidence of Zambia’s democratic maturity and political stability.

“The results show that the UPND has continued to grow as a national party with support cutting across different regions of the country,” he said.

He, however, stressed that electoral victories must now be translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, stating that the Presidency has directed newly elected Members of Parliament, mayors and councillors to immediately engage communities and accelerate development programmes.

Mr. Ngoma said leaders are expected to effectively utilise the K40 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and champion the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda at constituency and district level.

“In Mandevu Constituency, Government has identified water supply, road infrastructure and youth-related social challenges as priority areas requiring urgent attention. Relevant ministries have since been directed to work with local leaders to improve water access, rehabilitate roads and implement rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for vulnerable and unemployed youths,” Mr. Ngoma said.

Mr. Ngoma thanked Zambians for their continued support of the UPND and said the by-election victories carry an even greater responsibility to deliver development and improve living standards across communities.