Why Character Must Matter in the Race for Parliament in Mwandi.
The political atmosphere in Mwandi Constituency has reached a boiling point.
What began as a standard local parliamentary race has transformed into a high stakes national referendum on morality, constitutional rights, and executive overreach.
With the general election scheduled for August 13, 2026, voters are facing a choice that extends far beyond public infrastructure and healthcare.
They are being forced to answer a fundamental question: What kind of character do we demand from those who write our laws? The race has thrust independent candidate Iris Kaingu into a fierce national spotlight.
In a recent campaign rally, the President explicitly urged Mwandi residents not to vote for Kaingu, on moral grounds, campaigning instead for the reelection of the incumbent United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate, Sibeso Sefulo Kakoma.
Kaingu held a press conference defending her constitutional right to contest, criticizing the Head of State’s remarks as undemocratic.
While every citizen possesses the legal right to contest an election under our constitution, voters possess an equally sacred right, the right to set a high moral standard for public office.
In shaping these standards, the community must look to its traditional and spiritual foundations, our church leaders and community elders.
For generations, the church and traditional elders have been the custodians of Zambia’s cultural values and spiritual integrity. They are the moral compass of Mwandi.
In times of political polarization, their voices provide a steadying influence, reminding the electorate that leadership is a sacred trust.
It is the elders who understand the history and community fabric of Mwandi and it is the church that champions the values of honesty, decency and accountability.
When these institutions emphasize the importance of moral standing, they are not engaging in partisan politics, they are protecting the future of our children and ensuring that public figures reflect the values taught in our homes and places of worship.
A Member of Parliament is not merely an administrator of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) or a supervisor of road repairs.
An MP is a lawmaker, a national representative and a role model for the youth. The laws passed in the National Assembly shape the moral fabric of our society.
Therefore, the individuals we send to parliament must reflect the values, integrity, and ethical standards nurtured by our spiritual and traditional guides.
Advocating for leaders of strong moral standing is not about malice, nor is it about denying anyone their constitutional right to stand. It is about understanding that leadership is fundamentally built on public trust.
When voters heed the wisdom of community elders and prioritize character, dignity and a proven track record of personal and professional integrity, they safeguard the institutional respect of parliament.
Candidates who embody these strong ethical foundations ensure that governance remains focused on the public good, free from the distractions of personal controversy. As Mwandi approaches August 13, the electorate holds immense power.
However, true defiance and true democratic maturity do not mean lowering our standards. Mwandi can fiercely protect its independence while simultaneously demanding leaders of unblemished moral character, as championed by our traditional and faith leaders.
By choosing representatives who combine a passion for development with a lifestyle of integrity, voters ensure that Mwandi’s voice in parliament is both powerful and respected.
We should always remember that as we grow one day we shall become national leaders. Youth leadership bridges the gap between historical continuity and modern community adaptation. When young leaders ground their actions in good moral standards, they transform ancient wisdom into active, relevant community governance.
By Sepo Lubunda
Youth leadership intersects with traditional moral authority and the cultivation of future leaders.