Sunday Chanda: Kanchibiya Election Petition Withdrawn for Peace

• Former Kanchibiya MP Sunday Chanda withdrew his petition challenging the 2026 parliamentary election results.
• Chanda cited peace, development, and the welfare of the Kanchibiya constituency as reasons for his decision.
• He maintained that he possessed "justiciable grounds" for the challenge but chose to prioritize broader community interests.
• Chanda highlighted his five years of service and numerous development projects implemented in the constituency.
• He expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for his support as a "development partner" for Kanchibiya.

This case illustrates how political and developmental considerations can influence the resolution of election petitions in Zambia, even when justiciable grounds are believed to exist.

Former Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Sunday Chanda, has officially withdrawn his legal challenge against the outcome of the 2026 parliamentary election. Mr. Chanda stated that his decision was made in the overarching interest of peace, fostering development, and serving the people of Kanchibiya.

Despite acknowledging that he possessed what he termed "justiciable grounds" to contest the election results, and noting encouragement from supporters and other citizens to pursue the legal avenue, Mr. Chanda ultimately opted against it. He explained that following a period of extensive consultations and careful reflection, he concluded that prioritizing the broader welfare of Kanchibiya was paramount, superseding his personal political aspirations.

Mr. Chanda underscored his five-year tenure as the area's representative, during which he claimed significant developmental strides were made. He cited the implementation of various projects, including the construction of bridges, mini-hospitals, schools, and roads, alongside the establishment of communication towers and water infrastructure, as evidence of his commitment to the constituency.

His approach in Parliament, he asserted, was consistently guided by the principle that development should always take precedence over political differences. This philosophy also informed his defense of Bill 7 and the delimitation exercise, which he argued would lead to the creation of two constituencies from the former Kanchibiya area, thereby enhancing representation and potentially expanding access to Constituency Development Fund resources. Mr. Chanda conveyed his departure from office without bitterness or regret, symbolically passing on the responsibility to his successor, Sampa Muswema, to continue serving the community.

In a gesture of goodwill, Mr. Chanda expressed his gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema, whom he lauded as a crucial "development partner" for Kanchibiya. He highlighted the President's positive responsiveness to requests for infrastructure and other vital projects within the constituency. Mr. Chanda recalled a personal interaction where President Hichilema reportedly told him, "Sunday mwaice wandi, I like your talent, isa tubombe bonse."

He further urged the residents of Kanchibiya to actively reject tribalism and instead champion national unity, emphasizing that "Kanchibiya belongs to Zambia." Mr. Chanda clarified that his withdrawal of the petition should not be misconstrued as an admission that he lacked valid grounds to challenge the election. Rather, he framed it as a deliberate choice for "peace" and the "continuity of development." He concluded by urging the incoming Member of Parliament to concentrate on development, cooperation, and unity, reaffirming his own enduring commitment to Kanchibiya.

This particular case offers a compelling illustration of how political and developmental considerations can significantly influence the resolution of election petitions within Zambia. It demonstrates that even in scenarios where a petitioner believes they possess strong, justiciable grounds for a challenge, broader strategic factors can lead to a voluntary withdrawal outside the formal adjudication of a court judgment.

For legal practitioners advising clients on election challenges in Zambia, this instance highlights the importance of understanding these non-judicial influences. The resolution of the Kanchibiya election dispute, in this context, was shaped by a strategic decision prioritizing perceived community interests over a protracted legal battle. This underscores a nuanced aspect of Zambian election law practice, where withdrawals are not always indicative of a weak legal position but can represent a calculated choice for the greater good, illustrating the complex interplay between legal rights and political realities.

This case illustrates how political and developmental considerations can influence the resolution of election petitions in Zambia, even when justiciable grounds are believed to exist. Lawyers advising clients on election challenges should be aware of these broader strategic factors that may lead to withdrawal outside of a court judgment.

Source: Original reporting via local press