THE peaceful campaigns in the run-up to today’s by-election in Chawama are proof that Zambia has turned a corner.
Once a battleground of political violence, the constituency has now become a symbol of tolerance and unity under the New Dawn government – a living example that peace and coexistence can triumph over division.
Returning officer Lewis Lupando on Monday expressed happiness at the peaceful campaign in Chawama. He went on to commend the participating political parties for their peaceful campaigns, noting that it was interesting that six political parties and three independent candidates were able to campaign freely without any form of violence. He noted that even residents are surprised that the area, once a hotspot for clashes, can now host lively campaigns without fear.
We join Mr Lupando in hailing the peaceful campaigns in Chawama.
We recognise, however, that this change is not by chance. It is the result of strong leadership and a clear message from Government that peace must guide our politics.
President Hakainde Hichilema has consistently called for unity and non-violence since taking office. His actions – such as embracing opposition supporters in their party regalia – have shown that democracy is about ideas, not intimidation. Leadership matters, and it is this kind of leadership that helps stop political violence and builds trust among citizens.
Zambia Centre for Inter-party Dialogue executive director Doreen Kabwe has further predicted that today’s poll will be peaceful, given the peaceful conduct of the campaigns.
Ms Kabwe’s confidence speaks to the growing belief that Zambia’s democracy is maturing and that citizens are ready to protect peace. Such predictions are encouraging because they show that institutions and citizens alike are committed to keeping elections free from violence.
It is important to remember that not long ago, Chawama was a no-go area for opposition parties. The 2016 and 2021 elections were marked by brutality, intimidation and harassment.
It was highly risky for opposition parties to campaign in Chawama.
Ruling party cadres moved with pangas, machetes, and even guns to brutalise, maim and instil fear in their opponents.
And these cadres had the blessings of their leaders.
Today, thanks to the unequivocal stance taken by the UPND leadership against political violence and cadreism, coupled with consistent messages of love, peace and unity, the country can witness peaceful campaigns where bloodshed was the order of the day.
And this change is not unique to Chawama. The recent by-elections in Northern, Luapula, Eastern and Western provinces have also been peaceful, showing that Zambia has closed the chapter of political violence and has opened a new chapter of peace, love and tolerance.
Violence silences voices, while peace allows them to be heard. Political competition should be about ideas and solutions, not threats or bloodshed.
Violence leaves scars on democracy, but peace strengthens it. Citizens now enjoy calm campaigns to the point that some hardly notice by-elections are happening – a clear sign that peace has become normal.
The peace that the country now enjoys must not be taken for granted. It must
be protected. As a nation, we must safeguard it. We must nurture and foster it. There should be no temptation to return to the ugly scenes of the past.
As the people of Chawama turn to the ballot today to decide who will represent them in the august House, we urge them to turn out in numbers to exercise their democratic right and civic duty to choose their leader. We also urge them to uphold the peace and tranquillity that has characterised the campaigns thus far.
Protecting Zambia’s peaceful democracy
THE peaceful campaigns in the run-up to today’s by-election in Chawama are proof that Zambia has turned a corner.
Once a battleground of political violence, the constituency has now become a symbol of tolerance and unity under the New Dawn government – a living example that peace and coexistence can triumph over division.
Returning officer Lewis Lupando on Monday expressed happiness at the peaceful campaign in Chawama. He went on to commend the participating political parties for their peaceful campaigns, noting that it was interesting that six political parties and three independent candidates were able to campaign freely without any form of violence. He noted that even residents are surprised that the area, once a hotspot for clashes, can now host lively campaigns without fear.
We join Mr Lupando in hailing the peaceful campaigns in Chawama.
We recognise, however, that this change is not by chance. It is the result of strong leadership and a clear message from Government that peace must guide our politics.
President Hakainde Hichilema has consistently called for unity and non-violence since taking office. His actions – such as embracing opposition supporters in their party regalia – have shown that democracy is about ideas, not intimidation. Leadership matters, and it is this kind of leadership that helps stop political violence and builds trust among citizens.
Zambia Centre for Inter-party Dialogue executive director Doreen Kabwe has further predicted that today’s poll will be peaceful, given the peaceful conduct of the campaigns.
Ms Kabwe’s confidence speaks to the growing belief that Zambia’s democracy is maturing and that citizens are ready to protect peace. Such predictions are encouraging because they show that institutions and citizens alike are committed to keeping elections free from violence.
It is important to remember that not long ago, Chawama was a no-go area for opposition parties. The 2016 and 2021 elections were marked by brutality, intimidation and harassment.
It was highly risky for opposition parties to campaign in Chawama.
Ruling party cadres moved with pangas, machetes, and even guns to brutalise, maim and instil fear in their opponents.
And these cadres had the blessings of their leaders.
Today, thanks to the unequivocal stance taken by the UPND leadership against political violence and cadreism, coupled with consistent messages of love, peace and unity, the country can witness peaceful campaigns where bloodshed was the order of the day.
And this change is not unique to Chawama. The recent by-elections in Northern, Luapula, Eastern and Western provinces have also been peaceful, showing that Zambia has closed the chapter of political violence and has opened a new chapter of peace, love and tolerance.
Violence silences voices, while peace allows them to be heard. Political competition should be about ideas and solutions, not threats or bloodshed.
Violence leaves scars on democracy, but peace strengthens it. Citizens now enjoy calm campaigns to the point that some hardly notice by-elections are happening – a clear sign that peace has become normal.
The peace that the country now enjoys must not be taken for granted. It must
be protected. As a nation, we must safeguard it. We must nurture and foster it. There should be no temptation to return to the ugly scenes of the past.
As the people of Chawama turn to the ballot today to decide who will represent them in the august House, we urge them to turn out in numbers to exercise their democratic right and civic duty to choose their leader. We also urge them to uphold the peace and tranquillity that has characterised the campaigns thus far.