We’re in control of electoral process -Veep

By BARNABAS ZULU and MUBITA KATETE

VICE PRESIDENT Mutale Nalumango has says the UPND is firmly in control of the electoral process and is therefore poised to win the 2026 general election because according to her, the opposition will not be allowed to rig the vote.
Ms Nalumango has dismissed claims by the opposition that the UPND government will be ousted in the 2026 general election, asserting that the current indicators showed positive progress and growing popularity for the governing party.
Ms. Nalumango was responding to a question from Mkushi South Member of Parliament Davies Chisopa, who inquired whether the government would disclose the names of individuals involved in illicit financial flows, suggesting that such issues could lead to the UPND’s downfall in 2026.
In her response, Ms. Nalumango challenged Mr Chisopa to present the indicators he was using to predict the UPND’s downfall in 2026.
“I can assure the Honourable Member for Mkushi South that it is his right to dream, but we all know that some dreams are nightmares, while others bring smiles,” Ms Nalumango mockingly said.
“However, when making such projections, you need clear indicators. I don’t know the indicators you are using to predict that we will be kicked out in 2026. My indicators are very positive, and they are quite different,” she said.
Ms. Nalumango highlighted the government’s accomplishments, including victories in by-elections and the implementation of several significant developmental projects. These, she said, would ensure the UPND’s continued success in Parliament.
“We are winning by-elections. The way we’re handling the drought is a very good indicator. The fact that children are attending school for free is another good sign.
Our ongoing infrastructure development is another positive indicator. We’re even providing meals for children in schools.
We’ve reintroduced bursaries for higher education, and our social cash transfers have been enhanced. These are all positive indicators,” Ms Nalumango explained.
She said the opposition would not be able to rig the upcoming elections as the UPND is in control of the electoral process.
“I know this is a significant statement, but do you intend to rig? We are in charge now. How can those in government cry about rigging when we are the ones in power? There will be no rigging,” she said.
Ms Nalumango admitted that while the government was working hard under challenging circumstances, some issues were beyond their control, particularly those she claimed were created by past administrations.