As a Zambian living in the diaspora, I have watched the political campaigns leading to the August 13 general elections with a mixture of pride, hope and growing concern.
Distance may separate me from home, but my heart has never left Zambia since like thousands of fellow Zambians abroad, I pray daily for the peace and unity of the country that shaped us.
This election has become one of the most fiercely contested in our democratic history. The contest between the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the opposition Tonse Alliance has generated intense political excitement.
While healthy political competition is the foundation of democracy, the language of confrontation and the growing ethnic undertones surrounding some political discussions threaten to divide a nation that has always been admired for its peace.
For decades, Zambia has stood as a shining example of stability in Africa. While many of our neighbours have experienced electoral violence and political upheaval, Zambia has consistently demonstrated that leadership can change through the ballot rather than through conflict. That reputation is one of our greatest national treasures and must never be sacrificed for short-term political victories.
Political parties will come and go. Governments will change. Presidents will serve their constitutional terms and leave office. But Zambia will remain.
We therefore have a collective responsibility to ensure that our children inherit a peaceful nation rather than one scarred by hatred and division.
What worries many of us abroad is not simply the political rivalry itself but the growing tendency to interpret political competition through ethnic lenses.
Zambia’s more than 70 ethnic groups have lived together in remarkable harmony since independence. Our diversity has always been our strength, not our weakness.
Once ethnic suspicion takes root in politics, it becomes extremely difficult to reverse. History from other countries teaches us that careless political rhetoric can leave wounds that take generations to heal.
I therefore appeal to supporters of both the UPND and the Tonse Alliance to remember that their political opponents are fellow Zambians, not enemies. Campaign vigorously. Debate passionately. Criticise policies where necessary. But never allow politics to rob another citizen of their dignity or humanity.
I also appeal to political leaders themselves. Every word spoken at a rally carries enormous influence. Leaders must reject inflammatory language, condemn violence unequivocally and urge their supporters to respect electoral institutions and the rule of law.
Victory achieved through peace is far more honourable than victory stained by bloodshed.
To the young people, who make up the majority of Zambia’s population, I say this: do not allow yourselves to be manipulated into becoming instruments of violence. Your future is worth far more than any politician’s ambitions. Protect your communities. Protect your neighbours. Protect your country.
As members of the diaspora, we continue to invest in Zambia, support our families and proudly represent our nation across the world. Every report of political violence diminishes the image of our beloved country and discourages investment and tourism. Peace is not only a moral responsibility; it is also an economic necessity.
On August 13, may every eligible citizen vote freely and peacefully according to their conscience. When the final results are announced, let both winners and losers remember that democracy is not about permanent victory or permanent defeat. It is about respecting the will of the people while preserving the unity of the nation.
Above all, I pray that God will continue to bless Zambia with wisdom, restraint and peace. May He soften hardened hearts, calm rising tensions and remind every citizen that our common identity as Zambians is greater than any political affiliation or ethnic background.
After the campaign posters have faded and the rallies have ended, we will still sing the same national anthem, fly the same flag and call the same beautiful country our home.
May peace prevail before, during and after August 13.
A Concerned Zambian in the Diaspora