PEACE SCIENTIST NOTES SILENCE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS
Peace Scientist Tom Njovu has urged Government and all relevant stakeholders to take a keen interest in the current silence even when campaigns for the 2026 August general election officially kicked off.
Njovu emphasised that Zambia has long been recognised as a peaceful and democratic nation where citizens freely participate in national affairs.
He stressed that it is important to ensure the prevailing environment encourages open dialogue, political participation, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Njovu observed that a healthy democracy thrives when citizens feel free to express their views, engage in campaigns, and participate in shaping the future of their country without fear.
He noted that many people have expressed different opinions regarding the current situation and environment as the country heads towards the general elections.
The Peace Scientist explained that, as peace scientists, they observed that what is currently prevailing in the country can best be described as negative peace.
Njovu pointed out that peace is not merely the absence of physical conflict or violence.
He highlighted that peace also includes the freedom of citizens to express themselves without fear, participate in democratic processes, and have access to their basic needs such as food, income, and economic opportunities.
Njovu remarked that at present, many citizens appear hesitant to openly campaign or freely express support for their preferred political candidates.
He cautioned that there is a growing sense of uncertainty among some people regarding whether they can freely exercise their democratic rights without facing consequences.
Njovu observed that while a few individuals have been actively campaigning, many others have remained silent.
He underlined that this silence is noticeable and raises important questions about why people are quiet.
Njovu further noted that many citizens continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.
He explained that concerns about the cost of living, limited disposable income, and economic hardships are affecting daily life for many families.
Njovu remarked that people are in conflict within themselves.
He stated that, as a result, Zambia appears unusually quiet for a nation approaching a major election.
Njovu reflected that there is a sense that the vibrant political engagement and public debate traditionally associated with election periods are not being fully expressed.
RFM
This Peace SCIENTIST’s take is full of unsupported innuendos. He is quite comfortable to make several statements such as “… at present, many citizens appear hesitant to openly campaign or freely express support for their preferred political candidates.” without offering even the slightest bit of evidence! No mini poll, survey or any proxy metric monitored! Is this what passes for scientists these days?
A word of caution to the UPND media team. The opposition alliance echo chambers are in overdrive with this same narrative that Mr Njovu is using his freedom of expression to spew. There is a strategy here to undermine the elections, grow voter apathy and cover their own lack of a campaign message. The ruling party would do well not to ignore or underestimate what they are trying to do. They need to counter it with equal appetite whenever it raises its head.
We have entered an era of mature politics. We don’t want to see people distributing and burning our bank notes on the street. We don’t want to see police officers shooting at crowds of people – remember Shibulo Mapenzi. We want people to walk to the poling stations with sober minds not influenced by overdose of free chibuku. We want people to scrutinise the candidates properly so that ababomba mwibala belalya mwibala iyoo. Good sign. Peace SCIENTIST take notes please.
This peace scientist’s idea of freedom to express your political preference is to witness violent clashes between rival political groupings. The new normal of peaceful campaigns is alien to him. In my area, I have heard people campaigning freely without any hindrance. At a nearby Kantemba, the owner, a young man, has been loudly playing an opposition campaign song to the point of being a public nuisance. No one has threatened him in any way as would have been the case during the notorious PF days.
Ba peace scientist, the days of rowdy, violent campaigns using illicit cash and drunk youths are over. We are now in an orderly society. We are moving forward. There is no dununa reverse.