Kasongo Enters Kabwata Contest
LM launches campaign, pledges jobs, skills development and peaceful elections
The opposition Leadership Movement has officially launched its campaign in the Kabwata parliamentary by-election, unveiling former lecturer Patson Kasongo as its candidate and pledging a people-centred development agenda focused on accessible leadership, job creation and skills development, while party leaders called for a peaceful, credible and law-abiding campaign ahead of the vote.
Mr. Kalumba said the official campaign would commence the following day and urged party members and supporters to strictly adhere to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Code of Conduct throughout the campaign period.
He warned that acts of violence by party members could attract sanctions from the ECZ, including the suspension of both the candidate and the party from participating in the election.
Mr. Kalumba added that political misconduct would not be condoned, noting that such actions could disadvantage both the aspiring candidate and the party as a whole.
He said every citizen had a role to play in ensuring that the electoral process remains free, fair and peaceful.
"Be peaceful throughout the electoral process. Violence should never be condoned because it causes immense damage to the candidate, the party and the nation as a whole," he cautioned.
The LM National Chairperson further urged party supporters to follow ECZ guidelines to ensure smooth campaign activities and electoral processes ahead of the August polls.
Mr. Kalumba advised supporters to remain calm despite possible provocations from political opponents and encouraged them to document and report any incidents of violence to the ECZ.
"When you encounter violence or any form of provocation, capture the evidence and report it to the Commission for action," he said.
He noted that the ECZ Early Warning System provides a platform through which incidents of violence, corruption and other electoral malpractice can be reported for verification and action.
Mr. Kalumba stressed that the party should not engage in the same unlawful activities it reports, warning that offenders would face the full force of electoral regulations.
He said the Leadership Movement wanted the Kabwata by-election to be conducted in a credible, transparent and peaceful manner.
Mr. Kalumba described Mr. Kasongo as a peace-loving and people-centred candidate with the qualities needed to represent the constituency effectively.
He expressed confidence that the party could win the Kabwata seat, adding that Mr. Kasongo would help transform the constituency through responsive leadership and community-focused development.
Mr. Kasongo pledged to conduct a peaceful campaign and work closely with residents to address challenges facing Kabwata if elected to Parliament.
He urged Kabwata residents to support a candidate who would remain accessible and available to the people at all times.
Mr. Kasongo called on residents to rally behind him and the Leadership Movement to secure victory in the by-election.
"Let us work together as a team. I assure you I will not disappoint once elected. I will do my best within my capabilities to make you and the party proud," he said.
He assured residents that the Leadership Movement would fulfil its promises and urged them not to be discouraged by what he described as a slow start to the campaign.
Mr. Kasongo declared his home open to all residents, describing it as "Kabwata House", where constituents would always be welcome. He pledged to remain a leader who is constantly present and accessible.
He thanked the party leadership for their support during his adoption and campaign launch.
Mr. Kasongo expressed confidence that the party would achieve what many consider impossible in Kabwata and announced plans to deploy party foot soldiers in regalia for silent campaigns across the constituency.
He said the campaign team would increase visibility and mobilise at least 20 supporters daily to strengthen grassroots engagement.
The candidate urged campaign officials to act responsibly and avoid alcohol consumption while on duty, stressing that the party seeks a dignified and peaceful victory.
On development, Mr. Kasongo pledged to facilitate job creation and skills development opportunities.
He said each of Kabwata’s five wards would have a skills centre to equip young people with practical trade skills.
He added that Kabwata had suffered from ineffective representation for years and said he had offered himself to serve, noting that success would depend on voter support.
Meanwhile, Leadership Movement Chawama candidate Ntazana Musukuma urged Kabwata residents to support the party’s candidates across Lusaka and expand its presence in other constituencies.
He said the party was committed to practical development programmes and leadership that remains present and engaged with communities.
Mr. Musukuma also urged supporters to guard every vote for Mr. Kasongo to ensure victory.
"Let us go flat out and campaign for our Kabwata candidate and ensure he wins the seat for better representation and development," he said.
Leadership Movement member Joseph Nkowana expressed confidence in Mr. Kasongo’s ability to meet public expectations if elected.
Campaign Chairperson Brenda Musakanya called for peaceful and organised campaigning, saying residents were tired of recycled politicians and wanted practical leadership.
The campaign is being led by Ntala Sizwe. Mr. Kasongo was accompanied by his family, including his parents, during the launch.
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