Following the ruling party’s victory in the tightly contested by-election in Chilanga Contituency, a seat previously held by the opposition UPND, PF media director Sunday Chanda declared that the result is an indicator of what is to come in 2021.
But Chaile disagrees with the PF and Chanda’s assessment, arguing that the dynamics for a by-election and general election are totally different.
“What matters most in a by-election is the quality of a candidate fielded, the catchment area is always small so government machinery operates effectively and of course a lot of people relocate and some lose voters cards,” Chaile said in a statement to Zambian Eye.
“For the general elections there are always new registered voters who are so excited usually are youths badly affected by unemployment.”
Chaile believes the state of the economy and corruption could see the PF lose the 2021 general elections
“The performance of the economic will somehow determine the outcome of the general elections in 2021, the fact that most commodities on the market have sky rocketed.
“The greatest danger for the PF in 2021 is the failure by the President to handle the issues of corruption. The President has shown the lukewarm stance towards the fight against corruption.
“Corruption in this government has become a cancer. Failure to cut it off immediately…I see PF back in opposition, “ said Chaile.
He reminded the ruling party that rigging has its own limitations, adding that sometimes it can never surpass the will of the people.