Seven Candidates Confirmed for Petauke By-Election

The Petauke Central Constituency is set for a Parliamentary by-election after Emmanuel Jay Banda, the independent MP since 2021, vacated his seat. Banda, who was arrested and under police guard at Chipata Central Hospital, fled in August while awaiting a court appearance. Seven candidates have successfully filed their nominations, with the election scheduled for 6 February 2025.

The nominations, conducted peacefully at the Petauke Nomination Centre, officially began at 9:00 am under the supervision of Returning Officer Sibeso Muimui. The candidates competing for the seat include Simon Banda of the New Congress Party (NCP), Carlos Chama of Citizens First, Severian Lungu of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Julius Mwale of the Socialist Party, Phiri Moses of the Democratic Union, Joshua Tembo of the Leadership Movement, and Independent candidate Nkole Mutale. One Independent candidate, Mutale Katongo, was unable to complete his nomination due to illness and incomplete paperwork.

Among the candidates, Simon Banda of the NCP has received backing from the Tonse Alliance, which recently endorsed the NCP for the 2026 general elections. On 8 November 2024, the alliance announced former President Edgar Lungu as its presidential candidate for 2026. Politician Sean Enoch confirmed that the alliance plans to field candidates in all upcoming parliamentary by-elections, including those in Petauke and Pambashe, as well as in the forthcoming councillor elections in Mongu and Mpongwe.

The candidates have outlined a range of priorities for the constituency. Severian Lungu of the UPND focused on fostering unity, while Carlos Chama of Citizens First expressed confidence in a strong performance, declaring himself the “surprise package”. Julius Mwale of the Socialist Party emphasised addressing inequalities, and Moses Phiri of the Democratic Union proposed building a dam to tackle water shortages. Simon Banda of the NCP highlighted plans for road and water improvements, and Joshua Tembo of the Leadership Movement pledged rural development. Independent candidate Nkole Mutale drew attention to his grassroots support and connection with the community.

With diverse promises and manifestos, the upcoming by-election will draw significant attention in the Eastern Province. The UPND's unexpected victory in the Kawambwa Central by-election, a region historically dominated by the Patriotic Front, signals a potential shift in Zambia’s political landscape as the 2026 general elections approach.