61 DAYS WITHOUT BLOOD SHED; ZAMBIA’S 2026 ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN IS TELLING A DIFFERENT STORY.
By Prince Kaliza.
Sixty-one days into Zambia’s official 2026 General Election campaign, one message stands out: the country has, so far, avoided the widespread political bloodshed that overshadowed parts of the 2021 campaign.
Many Zambians still remember the tension that surrounded the 2021 elections. There were reports of political violence, clashes between rival supporters, intimidation, and, tragically, lives were lost in some parts of the country. It was a difficult period that no democracy should celebrate.
This time, the atmosphere has generally been different.
Political parties are travelling across the country, supporters are wearing their party colours, campaign songs are being played, rallies are being held, and political messages are being shared. While isolated incidents have occurred including concerns raised over the Garry Nkombo incident in Mazabuka, the overall campaign has, to date, been more peaceful than many expected.
That is a positive development for Zambia.
Peace should never be seen as a victory for one political party over another. It is a victory for every Zambian who believes that elections should be contests of ideas, leadership, and policies not fear, violence, or bloodshed.
The work is not finished. With the election still ahead, political leaders, supporters, security agencies, and citizens all have a responsibility to ensure that the remaining campaign period remains peaceful. Every incident of violence or intimidation, regardless of who is responsible, must be rejected.
If Zambia completes this election peacefully, it will be another important step in strengthening our democracy and proving that political competition does not have to come at the cost of human life.
Let’s keep the peace. Let the ballots speak louder than violence.
Hakainde Hichilema Kudos!
Fwaka