By Suleman Chitera

Comrade Imran Jumbe has called on the people of Zambia to embrace peace, tolerance and unity as the country goes through an important electoral period.

Jumbe has expressed his hope that Zambia’s elections will be peaceful, free, fair and credible, urging all stakeholders to respect democratic principles and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation.

He has also placed confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to uphold its constitutional mandate and ensure that the will of the Zambian people is respected throughout the electoral process.

“At this important moment for the country, our hope and trust are placed in the Electoral Commission of Zambia to uphold its constitutional mandate and ensure that the will of the Zambian people is respected,” Jumbe said.

Jumbe noted that Zambia and Malawi are sister countries with deep historical, cultural and regional ties, making peace and stability in Zambia important not only to Zambians but also to neighbouring countries, including Malawi.

He said continued stability in Zambia contributes to peace and stability across the Southern African region, stressing the importance of protecting democratic values and institutions.

According to Jumbe, elections should be a celebration of democracy rather than a source of fear, violence, intimidation or division.

He called on citizens to participate freely in the electoral process regardless of their political affiliation, saying political differences should never become a reason for violence or persecution.

Jumbe further urged African countries, particularly those in the Southern African region, to strengthen democratic culture by ensuring that political disputes are resolved through dialogue, tolerance and the ballot box.

“It is high time that Africa, and particularly the Southern African region, moved towards a fully mature democratic culture where political differences are settled through dialogue, tolerance and the ballot box, not through violence or intimidation,” he said.

He also called upon political parties, candidates, political supporters, security institutions, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens to play their respective roles in maintaining peace and safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process.

Jumbe stressed that every Zambian deserves an election in which every vote counts, every voice is respected and the final outcome genuinely reflects the choice of the people.

He concluded by wishing Zambia peace, unity and continued democratic progress, while calling on all stakeholders to put the interests of the country above political differences.

“May Zambia remain peaceful, united and democratic. May the people’s will prevail.”

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