Governance expert Wesley Miyanda has called on political leaders, supporters and law enforcement agencies to work together to end political violence ahead of Zambia’s general elections, warning that continued attacks threaten lives, national unity and the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful democracies.
Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times -ZBT, Miyanda said politics should never become a justification for violence, stressing that elections must remain a peaceful contest of ideas rather than a source of fear and bloodshed. His remarks follow recent reports of politically-related violence, including the killing of a suspected UPND supporter in Kaputa and the murder of a driver for an independent candidate in Mazabuka.
Miyanda described the incidents as unfortunate and said they should serve as a wake-up call for all political stakeholders to promote peace during the election period. “We cannot continue losing lives because of politics.
Human life must be protected at all costs. Politics should be about presenting ideas and allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders, not attacking or killing one another,” he said. He urged political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters, saying leaders should not remain silent whenever acts of violence are committed in the name of politics.
“The same people who are being attacked today are the same citizens political leaders are seeking to represent tomorrow. Leaders have a responsibility to speak out strongly against violence and ensure their supporters conduct themselves peacefully throughout the campaign period,” he said. Miyanda noted that while the Zambia Police Service remains the primary institution responsible for maintaining law and order, there may be a need for additional support if security challenges become overwhelming.
He suggested that other security agencies, including the Zambia Army, Zambia National Service and the Zambia Air Force, could assist the police in protecting lives and maintaining peace if the situation required such intervention.
According to Miyanda, the involvement of additional security personnel should not be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate voters but rather as a measure aimed at safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring citizens are free to participate without fear.
“The protection of human life should always come first. If there is a need for other security wings to reinforce the police, that support should be viewed as an effort to maintain peace and security for all citizens,” he said. Miyanda further stressed that Zambia has earned international recognition as a peaceful nation, adding that the country’s democratic credentials have been strengthened over the years through peaceful transfers of power.
He warned that a rise in political violence could damage Zambia’s image internationally and negatively affect investor confidence at a time when the country is seeking economic growth and increased investment. “The outside world is watching Zambia.
Investors want to invest in countries that are politically stable and peaceful. We should not allow violence to tarnish the reputation that Zambia has built over many years,” he said. Miyanda also appealed to political parties to concentrate on selling their manifestos and policies instead of encouraging hostility among supporters. He said elections should unite citizens around competing ideas for national development rather than divide communities through intimidation and violence.
“Politics should never become a reason for neighbours to become enemies. Elections will come and go, but as Zambians we will continue living together. Peace and unity must therefore remain our priority,” he said. He further urged law enforcement agencies to carry out thorough investigations into all reported cases of political violence and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation.
Article by Karen Ngulube
