THE peace that we are enjoying ahead of the elections is not by chance. It is the result of steady leadership, especially from President Hakainde Hichilema, whose style of governance has promoted peace, tolerance and stability.
This is an example of how leadership can shape the future of a nation.
As Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of Centre for Sustainable Democracy and Governance (CSDG), said, leadership is the key factor: when leadership is good, calmness follows; when leadership is poor, chaos and lawlessness take over. This truth is clear when we compare today’s environment with past elections, which were often full of disorder and intimidation.
In 2021, elections were marked by unruly behaviour, especially from ruling party supporters. Streets became a battlefield. Citizens often felt unsafe expressing their political views.
Today, however, the story is different. People can wear party regalia freely, attend rallies without fear, and speak openly. This is a result of sound leadership.
As Ms Katotobwe said, President Hichilema’s leadership has been “top-notch” because it has restored the rule of law. Sanity has returned as a pillar of national development.
Peace is not only about the absence of violence; it is about justice, fairness, and respect for rights. By showing dislike for disorder, the President has set the tone for a political culture that values dialogue over confrontation.
Citizens can now participate freely in political life without harassment. This is the Zambia people have long wanted – a nation where democracy is not just spoken about, but lived.
Election periods are always a test for leadership. They show whether leaders can manage tensions, guide supporters, and uphold the law. In this test, Zambia’s leadership has shown maturity. The calmness we see today proves that leadership is not about words alone; it is about action and consistency.
As Ms Katotobwe said, those who try to disrupt peace must face the full force of the law. Peace must be protected, and leadership must remain watchful.
As Arthur Muyumba, executive director of the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), said, this peace the country is enjoying reflects citizens’ reduced fear of violence compared to past elections.
This is a sign of better governance practices. When citizens feel safe, they are more likely to take part in democracy, which strengthens elections.
Mr Muyumba also said bad practices such as hate speech must not be allowed to take hold. Leadership must continue to guard against such divisive behaviour, ensuring elections remain a contest of ideas, not insults.
The peaceful environment also improves Zambia’s image abroad. A country that can hold elections peacefully earns respect and trust from the world. Investors, partners and neighbours see Zambia as a nation that values stability.
This reputation is built through consistent leadership that puts peace first.
Peace is the foundation of national development. Without peace, progress stops. With peace, education, health and economic growth can thrive.
Leadership that ensures calm elections is leadership that opens the door to prosperity.
Zambia is indeed now witnessing freedom where citizens can express themselves without fear. This is leadership in action, showing that democracy can grow when guided by respect for the rule of law.
Leadership anchor of peace
THE peace that we are enjoying ahead of the elections is not by chance. It is the result of steady leadership, especially from President Hakainde Hichilema, whose style of governance has promoted peace, tolerance and stability.
This is an example of how leadership can shape the future of a nation.
As Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of Centre for Sustainable Democracy and Governance (CSDG), said, leadership is the key factor: when leadership is good, calmness follows; when leadership is poor, chaos and lawlessness take over. This truth is clear when we compare today’s environment with past elections, which were often full of disorder and intimidation.
In 2021, elections were marked by unruly behaviour, especially from ruling party supporters. Streets became a battlefield. Citizens often felt unsafe expressing their political views.
Today, however, the story is different. People can wear party regalia freely, attend rallies without fear, and speak openly. This is a result of sound leadership.
As Ms Katotobwe said, President Hichilema’s leadership has been “top-notch” because it has restored the rule of law. Sanity has returned as a pillar of national development.
Peace is not only about the absence of violence; it is about justice, fairness, and respect for rights. By showing dislike for disorder, the President has set the tone for a political culture that values dialogue over confrontation.
Citizens can now participate freely in political life without harassment. This is the Zambia people have long wanted – a nation where democracy is not just spoken about, but lived.
Election periods are always a test for leadership. They show whether leaders can manage tensions, guide supporters, and uphold the law. In this test, Zambia’s leadership has shown maturity. The calmness we see today proves that leadership is not about words alone; it is about action and consistency.
As Ms Katotobwe said, those who try to disrupt peace must face the full force of the law. Peace must be protected, and leadership must remain watchful.
As Arthur Muyumba, executive director of the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), said, this peace the country is enjoying reflects citizens’ reduced fear of violence compared to past elections.
This is a sign of better governance practices. When citizens feel safe, they are more likely to take part in democracy, which strengthens elections.
Mr Muyumba also said bad practices such as hate speech must not be allowed to take hold. Leadership must continue to guard against such divisive behaviour, ensuring elections remain a contest of ideas, not insults.
The peaceful environment also improves Zambia’s image abroad. A country that can hold elections peacefully earns respect and trust from the world. Investors, partners and neighbours see Zambia as a nation that values stability.
This reputation is built through consistent leadership that puts peace first.
Peace is the foundation of national development. Without peace, progress stops. With peace, education, health and economic growth can thrive.
Leadership that ensures calm elections is leadership that opens the door to prosperity.
Zambia is indeed now witnessing freedom where citizens can express themselves without fear. This is leadership in action, showing that democracy can grow when guided by respect for the rule of law.