PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s warning that the law will apply firmly but fairly to anyone who breaks it, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, is timely and sets the tone for the election season we are entering.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the President made it clear that no action that threatens peace, unity, public order, or national security will be tolerated.
Further, the President has assured citizens that the country will remain peaceful, orderly, and secure as the nation heads towards the general election on 13 August.
The President has since directed law enforcement agencies to stay on high alert before, during, and after the polls, promising full protection for law‑abiding citizens. He has gone further to warn that even members of his own party will not be shielded if they are found wanting. This stance deserves commendation.
Electoral Commission of Zambia has set 23 May as the official start of campaigns, which will run until 12 August. Already, close to 30 presidential aspirants have expressed interest. This wide field of contenders reflects the vibrancy of Zambia’s democracy, but it also raises the stakes. With so many voices competing for attention, the temptation to resort to inflammatory language or disruptive tactics will be strong. The President’s warning is, therefore, timely.
Law enforcement agencies now have the responsibility of ensuring that the President’s directive is carried out.
In past elections, selective justice was the order of the day. Those affiliated to the ruling party did as they pleased. They were a law unto themselves. But this time, things are different.
As the President has said many times before, when you break the law, you are on your own. No‑one is above the law. No-one can do as they please. The law will catch up with them.
Already, we have ruling party cadres who have been indicted for violence and other offences by the police.
It has been sufficiently demonstrated that no-one is above the law. Everyone ‑ opposition and ruling party cadres alike ‑ is subject to the law.
We commend the President for demonstrating leadership on this score. He has shown that justice is blind to party colours and social status.
The assurance of protection for law‑abiding citizens is equally vital. Fear of violence or intimidation discourages turnout and undermines democracy. Pledging security for citizens in this critical period of our democracy shows the State respects the fact that every vote counts and that every voice matters.
This is the foundation of a credible election.
Democracy is not only about voting. It is about respecting the process, accepting the rules, and recognising that the will of the people must prevail.
Healthy debate is important, but when debate turns into intimidation or when freedom of expression is abused to incite violence, democracy suffers. The line between competition and destruction must be drawn clearly, and the law must enforce it without hesitation.
This election comes at a time when the country is just beginning to heal from a fractious period where divisive rhetoric was the order of the day. Political leaders, therefore, carry a heavy responsibility to continue uniting the country.
They must inspire hope, not fear. They must build bridges, not walls. They must show that leadership is about service, not self-interest.
As campaigns begin, the eyes of the world will be on Zambia. The country has long been admired for its peaceful transitions of power.
That reputation must be preserved. The responsibility lies not only with the President or the police but with every political party, every candidate, and every supporter. The tone of the campaign will set the tone of the election. If it is peaceful, Zambia will once again prove that democracy and stability can co-exist. If it is violent, the damage will be felt far beyond the ballot box.
Call for peace timely
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s warning that the law will apply firmly but fairly to anyone who breaks it, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, is timely and sets the tone for the election season we are entering.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the President made it clear that no action that threatens peace, unity, public order, or national security will be tolerated.
Further, the President has assured citizens that the country will remain peaceful, orderly, and secure as the nation heads towards the general election on 13 August.
The President has since directed law enforcement agencies to stay on high alert before, during, and after the polls, promising full protection for law‑abiding citizens. He has gone further to warn that even members of his own party will not be shielded if they are found wanting. This stance deserves commendation.
Electoral Commission of Zambia has set 23 May as the official start of campaigns, which will run until 12 August. Already, close to 30 presidential aspirants have expressed interest. This wide field of contenders reflects the vibrancy of Zambia’s democracy, but it also raises the stakes. With so many voices competing for attention, the temptation to resort to inflammatory language or disruptive tactics will be strong. The President’s warning is, therefore, timely.
Law enforcement agencies now have the responsibility of ensuring that the President’s directive is carried out.
In past elections, selective justice was the order of the day. Those affiliated to the ruling party did as they pleased. They were a law unto themselves. But this time, things are different.
As the President has said many times before, when you break the law, you are on your own. No‑one is above the law. No-one can do as they please. The law will catch up with them.
Already, we have ruling party cadres who have been indicted for violence and other offences by the police.
It has been sufficiently demonstrated that no-one is above the law. Everyone ‑ opposition and ruling party cadres alike ‑ is subject to the law.
We commend the President for demonstrating leadership on this score. He has shown that justice is blind to party colours and social status.
The assurance of protection for law‑abiding citizens is equally vital. Fear of violence or intimidation discourages turnout and undermines democracy. Pledging security for citizens in this critical period of our democracy shows the State respects the fact that every vote counts and that every voice matters.
This is the foundation of a credible election.
Democracy is not only about voting. It is about respecting the process, accepting the rules, and recognising that the will of the people must prevail.
Healthy debate is important, but when debate turns into intimidation or when freedom of expression is abused to incite violence, democracy suffers. The line between competition and destruction must be drawn clearly, and the law must enforce it without hesitation.
This election comes at a time when the country is just beginning to heal from a fractious period where divisive rhetoric was the order of the day. Political leaders, therefore, carry a heavy responsibility to continue uniting the country.
They must inspire hope, not fear. They must build bridges, not walls. They must show that leadership is about service, not self-interest.
As campaigns begin, the eyes of the world will be on Zambia. The country has long been admired for its peaceful transitions of power.
That reputation must be preserved. The responsibility lies not only with the President or the police but with every political party, every candidate, and every supporter. The tone of the campaign will set the tone of the election. If it is peaceful, Zambia will once again prove that democracy and stability can co-exist. If it is violent, the damage will be felt far beyond the ballot box.