As a Zambian living in the United States, I have followed developments back home with great interest and deep concern.
Like many members of the diaspora, I remain emotionally invested in the future of our country despite being thousands of kilometres away.
It is therefore with a heavy heart that I write to appeal for reconciliation, restraint and national unity as Zambia approaches the August 13 general elections.
Over the past several months, I have watched with growing dismay as the political atmosphere has become increasingly tense and confrontational.
The language used by some political leaders and their supporters has become more divisive, while social media platforms have often turned into battlegrounds of insults, threats and misinformation.
What should be a celebration of democracy is gradually being overshadowed by hostility and suspicion.
As citizens, we must remember that elections are not wars. They are peaceful contests of ideas and visions for the future of our nation. Political opponents are not enemies.
They are fellow Zambians who may hold different views on how best to govern the country. Once the ballots are counted and the election is over, we must continue living together as one people under one flag.
From abroad, one gains a different perspective. In countries with mature democracies, political competition can be fierce, but institutions and citizens understand the importance of preserving national unity above partisan interests.
Governments change, opposition parties win elections, and leaders come and go, yet the nation remains intact because people respect democratic processes and accept that no political victory is worth destroying the social fabric of their country.
Zambia has long been admired as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable democracies. We should not allow temporary political disagreements to damage that reputation.
Our history teaches us that dialogue and compromise are far more powerful than confrontation and bitterness. The values of peace, tolerance and respect have served our nation well for decades.
I therefore urge political leaders across the divide to lower the temperature of political discourse. Let them condemn violence unequivocally, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and encourage their supporters to engage respectfully with those who hold different opinions.
Leadership is not only demonstrated through campaign promises but also through the ability to promote peace during periods of political competition.
I also appeal to ordinary citizens, especially young people, not to allow themselves to be manipulated into acts of violence or hatred.
No politician’s ambition is worth sacrificing one’s future, freedom or life. Zambia belongs to all of us, regardless of our political affiliations.
As members of the diaspora, we dream of returning to a nation that remains united, peaceful and focused on development. We want to see a Zambia where elections strengthen democracy rather than divide communities.
As August 13 approaches, let us choose reconciliation over conflict, dialogue over hostility and patriotism over partisanship. The future generations of Zambia deserve nothing less.
Yours faithfully,
A Concerned Zambian in the United States
