ZAMBIA LOST OVER $10 BILLION: USE YOUR VOTE TO HIRE AND FIRE CORRUPT POLITICIANS- FORMER USA AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA  Amb. Michael C. Gonzales  urges ZAMBIANS

ZAMBIA LOST OVER $10 BILLION: USE YOUR VOTE TO HIRE AND FIRE CORRUPT POLITICIANS- GONZALES URGES ZAMBIANS

By Zambia Barotseland Border Post
Reporter

As Zambia heads to the August 13, 2026 General Election, former United States Ambassador to Zambia Michael C. Gonzales has delivered a hard-hitting message urging citizens to use their votes to determine the country’s future.

Gonzales has reminded Zambians that the ballot box remains their strongest weapon for demanding accountability and changing leadership peacefully.

Reflecting on the 2021 General Election, he said Zambians demonstrated to the world that democracy works when citizens exercise their power through the ballot.

Now, five years later, that power is back in the hands of the people

One of the most explosive claims in Gonzales’ election statement is his assertion that Zambia has lost more than US$10 billion over the past five years through illicit financial transactions.

Gonzales attributes the figure to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and other international anti-fraud monitoring systems, saying the alleged loss represents resources that could have transformed the country.

According to Gonzales, the money could have built schools, clinics and roads while creating jobs for thousands of young Zambians.

He also raised concerns over medicines allegedly going missing from public health facilities, arguing that Zambia needs leadership capable of plugging financial leakages and ensuring public resources reach the people.

The US$10 billion claim, if substantiated, would represent an enormous financial loss for a country that continues to face major demands for better healthcare, education, infrastructure and employment.

Gonzales has challenged Zambians to treat the August 13 election as a moment of accountability.

“You only have one opportunity on 13 August 2026 for the next five years to hire and fire corrupt politicians,” he said.

His message places the responsibility squarely on the voter: the people have the power to decide who stays in office and who goes home.

He has urged citizens not to vote out of fear, intimidation or political pressure, reminding them that their vote is secret and their choice matters.

Gonzales has called on Zambians to participate peacefully, protect their votes and demand an election that is free, fair and transparent.

“The world is watching Zambia,” he warned.

He said Zambia is blessed with minerals, land, water and a youthful population, but argued that the country requires credible and transparent leadership that respects the Constitution, protects human rights and puts citizens before political interests.

As millions of Zambians prepare to vote, the election has become more than a contest between political parties and presidential candidates.

It is a choice about leadership, accountability, public resources and the future direction of Zambia.

The question now confronting voters is simple:

Will Thursday’s ballot bring a new direction, or will the country continue on the same path?

Gonzales concluded with a powerful appeal to Zambians:

“Participate. Protect your vote. Vote like your life depends on it, because truly it does.”

©️ Zambia Barotseland Border post/ 2026

STATEMENT BY FORMER USA AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA – Amb. Michael C. Gonzales

On the Occasion of the General Elections – Thursday 13 August 2026_

Five years ago you, the people of Zambia, showed the world what Democracy and voting truly means. You stood in long lines, you waited patiently, and you peacefully removed the former party in office through the ballot. In doing so you did more than change a government. You inspired Botswana, Malawi and many other African countries that have since rejected brutal and corrupt regimes. That moment proved that the power of the people is real, and that your vote can change the destiny of a nation.

Today, as you prepare to go to the polls again on Thursday 13 August 2026, I urge you to remember that same power and courage. Zambia has the potential to succeed and become self sustainable. You are blessed with land, minerals, water, young people, and a spirit of unity that no country can take from you. But the problem that Zambia is lacking right now is credible and transparent leadership. Leadership that respects the law, protects human rights, upholds the Constitution, delivers services, and serves the people instead of itself.

This is your moment to change the direction of your country. Do not vote for a return of the past. Vote for a future where your children can go to school, find work, access health care, and live in peace and dignity. Vote for leaders who will be accountable to you every day, not just on election day.

Do not fear. Your vote is secret, your voice is powerful, and your choice matters. The world is watching Zambia. International electoral mechanisms and regulations are clear on how transparent elections should look like, and the international community expects the process to be free, fair, and peaceful.

So I say to you: Participate. Protect your vote. Vote like your life depends on it, because truly it does. You only have one  opportunity on 13 August 2026 for next 5 years to hire and fire corrupt politicians.

Your vote will determine how Zambia and the rest of the world will work to make sure that you have medicines in your hospitals, which for a long time have gone missing into the pockets of those in leadership.

Over the last 5 years Zambia has lost over 10 billion dollars due to illicit financial transactions according to the FIC and other international anti-fraud monitoring systems. That money could have built schools, clinics, roads, and jobs for our youth. It is time to choose leadership that will plug those leakages and put the people first.

God bless you the people of Zambia. The world is watching. Go out and vote.