CHIINDA EMERGES AS STRONGER MUNALI PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

By Alain Kabinda

In the bustling streets of Mtendere and the busy trading corners of Chelstone, the name Chrispin Chiinda — popularly known as “Chris Mall” — is one many residents associate with business growth, persistence, and now politics.

At 48 years old, Chiinda’s political story reflects the path of a man who has repeatedly returned to the political arena despite setbacks, changing party loyalties, and Zambia’s shifting opposition landscape. His journey from entrepreneur to aspiring Member of Parliament for Munali Constituency has become one of resilience, ambition, and grassroots politics.

Born and raised in Mtendere, Munali Constituency, Chiinda says his roots remain central to his political identity. Unlike many politicians accused of appearing only during election periods, he presents himself as a son of the constituency who understands the everyday struggles of local people.

“I know the challenges because I grew up here,” he has often told supporters during community engagements.

Before politics, Chiinda built his reputation in business. Starting with a small boutique at Chelstone Big Market at the age of 26, he steadily expanded his ventures, eventually establishing Chris Mall and Chris Mall Lodges. Supporters point to his entrepreneurial success as evidence that he understands economic survival and youth empowerment beyond political rhetoric.

His entry into active politics came in 2014 under the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF). Two years later, he sought adoption as the PF parliamentary candidate for Munali ahead of the 2016 general elections. However, the party adopted former Cabinet Minister Nkandu Luo instead.

Rather than rebel against the party decision, Chiinda accepted the outcome and campaigned for the adopted candidate — a move some political observers interpreted as loyalty and discipline within party structures.

In 2021, he once again attempted to secure PF adoption for Munali Constituency. Again, he was unsuccessful. Though disappointed, he chose not to contest as an independent candidate, insisting that teamwork and party unity were more important than personal ambition.

Later reflections, however, revealed lingering regret. Chiinda publicly stated that he believed he could have won the seat had he stood independently.

His frustrations eventually led him away from PF politics. In 2022, he joined the Socialist Party led by Fred M'membe. Within the party, he quickly rose into the National Executive Council as a mobilisation official and became the party’s aspiring parliamentary candidate for Munali ahead of the 2026 elections.

During his time in the Socialist Party, Chiinda actively campaigned on issues affecting ordinary residents — particularly unemployed youths and concerns over public accountability. He consistently argued that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources should be transparent and directly benefit communities.

He also advocated for practical empowerment programs such as skills training centres for carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, and other vocational trades.

“Youths do not only need promises. They need skills and opportunities,” he said during one mobilisation meeting in Lusaka.

But by 2024, cracks within the Socialist Party began to show publicly. Chiinda resigned from the party, expressing concern about increasing internal resignations and instability. His departure marked yet another major political transition.

Now aligned with the Resolute Party under the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, Chiinda has once again positioned himself as a serious contender for Munali Constituency in the 2026 general elections. He is campaigning alongside alliance presidential candidate Makebi Zulu, particularly targeting young voters in areas such as Chelstone and Mtendere.

Beyond party politics, Chiinda has also emerged as a vocal critic of constitutional reform efforts that he believes lack adequate public consultation. He has warned against what he describes as attempts to fast-track constitutional amendments without involving citizens, calling such actions dangerous for democracy.

Political analysts say Chiinda’s greatest strength may lie in his grassroots appeal. Unlike nationally dominant political figures, his politics are deeply local — centred on visibility, accessibility, and constituency identity.

As Zambia moves closer to the 13 August 2026 general election, Munali Constituency is expected to remain one of Lusaka’s most competitive political battlegrounds, with businessman and politician Chrispin Chiinda positioning himself once again for the contest.

Chiinda, popularly known as “Chris Mall,” has maintained a visible presence in Munali politics for more than a decade, navigating changing political alliances and repeated electoral attempts in pursuit of public office.

Political analysts say the constituency is likely to attract significant attention ahead of the 2026 polls due to its strategic importance and growing urban voter population.

For Chiinda, the upcoming election represents more than another campaign cycle. Supporters describe it as the continuation of a long political journey shaped by persistence, resilience, and efforts to maintain relevance within Lusaka’s evolving political landscape.

Having previously contested and participated in political mobilisation activities under different political formations, Chiinda has continued engaging residents through community outreach and local development discussions.

Observers note that Munali Constituency remains highly competitive, with political parties expected to intensify campaigns as the election date draws closer.

Meanwhile, residents and voters are expected to closely scrutinize candidates on issues including youth unemployment, infrastructure development, water supply, sanitation, and economic opportunities.

                            (C.Chiinde interacting with the Community)

With campaigns gradually gaining momentum across the country, Chiinda’s renewed political ambitions are expected to add another layer of competition to what is anticipated to be a tightly contested race in Munali.