The recent Chawama by-election saw the UPND candidate suffer a significant loss, primarily attributed to an imbalanced campaign effort and systemic party failures. It is reported that the losing candidate undertook 60% of the campaign work independently, with aspiring candidates contributing 35% and only 5% coming from the UPND party administration, including current Members of Parliament, ministers, and other officials. This severe lack of comprehensive party support is cited as a major factor in the candidate's defeat, highlighting a critical failure of the party’s administrative machinery.

Adding to the challenges, sources indicate that the UPND's 'weak and hungry' structures were allegedly infiltrated by 'highly funded PF operatives'. These operatives are accused of actively sabotaging UPND agents, polling staff, and camp leaders, including some senior officials, thereby undermining the party's ground efforts and creating internal discord.

On polling day, the UPND campaign was plagued by severe logistical shortcomings. By 13:45, numerous UPND camps reportedly lacked essential supplies such as food, charcoal, cooking oil, relish, and mealie meal. Polling agents faced similar deprivations, lacking food and mobile data bundles, with some even being denied entry by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) due to unstamped accreditation documents, further disrupting their operations.

Amidst this organizational chaos, unregistered PF vehicles were reportedly observed distributing K500 notes to individuals, described as 'dishing out money like coins'. This open financial inducement is believed to have significantly devastated and demoralized UPND supporters even before vote counting commenced, giving the PF a considerable political advantage. Furthermore, many UPND representatives were said to have abandoned their posts due to a lack of fuel, food, and other critical resources.

The evening of the election escalated into heightened tensions at the totaling center. A preemptive celebration by UPND supporters was met with three waves of attacks from PF operatives, approaching from the north, east, and south. Police initially managed to repel the first assault. However, PF forces regrouped and launched a second attack, attempting to seize the polling station, which was met with fierce resistance from the police determined to shield the totaling center. Despite heavy rains, UPND youths reportedly braved the elements and fought back under police protection, though the PF contingent was described as heavily armed and well-prepared.

The situation intensified to the point where police called for massive reinforcements, transforming Chifundo Road into a battleground filled with teargas, leading to its temporary closure. Subsequent investigations revealed that PF operatives were strategically hiding in nearby shops, quickly regrouping for further actions. A particularly effective tactic employed by PF involved deploying covert agents within UPND groups to encourage youths to collect K500 notes from three vehicles circulating in the area. This financial incentive caused significant confusion and a noticeable drain of youths from UPND ranks, boosting PF's numbers on the ground.

During the third wave of attacks, police deployed all available manpower to contain the situation. The persistent rains further complicated the already chaotic scene. As election results started to show an increasing lead for the FDD candidate, the size of the PF group swelled, while the UPND's music system collapsed, and their supporters dispersed, seeking cover from both the adverse weather and the ongoing PF assaults. While a semblance of calm was eventually restored, the unfavorable election results swiftly demoralized UPND supporters, who began to leave the totaling center in defeat.