President Hakainde Hichilema has placed unity at the centre of Zambia’s political messaging ahead of the August 13 general elections, urging citizens to avoid division and maintain calm as the country moves deeper into the campaign period.
Speaking during a church service in Mongu, the Head of State said elections should reflect democratic maturity rather than create tension among citizens. He assured the nation that the electoral process would be conducted in a credible and peaceful manner, while calling on citizens to remain composed before, during and after voting.
The message is being reinforced across government leadership. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango has urged citizens to uphold peace and support national leadership, aligning her remarks with a broader call for stability as political activity gathers pace across the country.
At the same time, the ruling United Party for National Development has outlined how candidates will be selected ahead of the elections, introducing a performance-based approach that places emphasis on track record and grassroots support.
Party officials say adoption will depend on how aspirants have performed and the level of backing they command from constituents. The criteria place measurable expectations on those seeking to represent the party, shifting the focus toward demonstrable results and sustained engagement at local level.
This creates a parallel dynamic within the political environment. Public messaging from leadership is anchored in unity and restraint, while internal competition within the ruling party is intensifying as aspirants position themselves for adoption.
Vice-President Nalumango has also called on political players to avoid acrimony, reinforcing concerns about maintaining order during a period that traditionally attracts heightened political tension. The repeated appeals signal a coordinated effort to shape the tone of political engagement ahead of the vote.
The President’s remarks, delivered within a religious setting, connect political conduct with broader societal values. He acknowledged the role of the church in national development and urged citizens to uphold peace, framing stability as a shared responsibility across institutions and communities.
Within the ruling party, the emphasis on performance and popularity reflects a tightening of internal processes. Aspirants are expected to demonstrate both effectiveness and public support, indicating that adoption will be tied to visible contribution and constituency-level impact.
This approach introduces pressure within party ranks, particularly as competition increases ahead of nominations. It also reflects an attempt to align internal decision-making with public expectations in a high-stakes electoral environment.
The consistent messaging from both the President and the Vice-President points to a deliberate positioning of the election period as a managed and orderly process. While political mobilisation is expected to intensify, the dominant narrative from leadership remains anchored in discipline, stability and controlled engagement.
As the election date approaches, the focus on unity continues to define the national tone, with leadership placing responsibility on citizens and political actors alike to sustain peace throughout the process.
Build unity. Things like only wanting to arrest opposition politicians when they are about to fly out is not a sign of unity. Why not arrest them when they are around instead of inconveniencing them. Ati Unity!
HH never arrested anyone,the police are doing their job independently