The peace that has characterized the Chawama parliamentary by-election in Lusaka deserves more than passing applause. It deserves recognition as a benchmark for Zambia’s democratic conduct and a practical reminder that elections need not descend into chaos, hostility, or violence to be competitive or credible. What has unfolded in Chawama is a quiet but powerful demonstration that political maturity is possible—and achievable—when all stakeholders commit to restraint, tolerance, and respect for pluralism.
For a country whose electoral history has at times been scarred by tension, intimidation, and needless confrontation, the tranquility witnessed in Chawama stands out. Political parties have campaigned side by side without squabbles or physical clashes. Supporters with different political loyalties have shared public spaces without insults, threats, or provocation. The campaign environment has been defined not by fear, but by the exchange of ideas, opinions, and policy positions. This is precisely what elections ought to be: a contest of visions, not a battlefield of egos.
Multiparty democracy, by its very nature, thrives on diversity and plurality. It presupposes disagreement, competition, and choice—but never enmity. The Chawama by-election has shown that political actors can disagree without dehumanizing each other, and that supporters can compete vigorously without turning against their own neighbours. This level of tolerance reflects a growing understanding that political difference is not a threat to social cohesion, but a cornerstone of democratic life.
Credit must be given where it is due. The people of Chawama have demonstrated commendable civic maturity. Political parties have exercised discipline and responsibility in their conduct. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has played its role in administering the process in a manner that inspires confidence. The Zambia Police Service has ensured security without intimidation, allowing democratic activity to proceed freely. Civil society actors, the media, and other stakeholders have also contributed to maintaining a calm and orderly environment. Together, they have set an impressive standard for electoral conduct.
These “small” achievements should not be underestimated. They matter because they shape habits, expectations, and norms ahead of the larger electoral cycle. With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, Chawama offers a living example of what is possible when elections are treated not as a do-or-die affair, but as a democratic marketplace—one in which competing and even complementary political ideologies are presented to the people for judgment.
Importantly, peaceful elections have consequences beyond polling day. When communities are not mobilized around hate, insults, or violence, they remain intact long after the ballots are counted. Neighbours can continue to live in harmony because they were never encouraged to see each other as enemies. In this sense, the maturity displayed in Chawama is not only about politics; it is about social stability and community cohesion.
As voters cast their ballots, the ultimate victory should belong to the people of Chawama—regardless of who emerges as the winner. The true success of this by-election lies in the peaceful environment in which citizens have exercised their democratic right. That, in itself, is a mandate for the future.
This milestone should be celebrated, protected, and replicated. We encourage all political parties and stakeholders to internalize the lessons from Chawama and commit to making peace, tolerance, and respect the centre of our electoral conduct going forward. If this standard can be sustained and scaled, then the 2026 general elections can mark not only another democratic transition, but a decisive step toward a more mature and peaceful political culture in Zambia.
May the best candidate win—but above all, may Zambia’s democracy continue to grow in peace.
