ECL Pledges to Complete Zambia’s National House of Prayer Project, Emphasizes Return to Faith in Governance

Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has vowed to resume and complete the National House of Prayer project, a significant undertaking aimed at reinforcing Zambia’s Christian identity. Addressing a congregation at the Resurrection Congregation of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Kafue during the commissioning of Deaconess Phaides Mukasa, Lungu expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of progress under President Hakainde Hichilema’s government. For Lungu, the House of Prayer is not just a structure, but a vital symbol of unity and faith that Zambia must reclaim to navigate its complex socio-economic challenges.

Lungu underscored that completing the National House of Prayer would be a crucial step in fostering national unity, a cornerstone of Zambia’s Christian values. He expressed a strong commitment to revive the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, a brainchild of his own presidency, aimed at ensuring Christian principles guide national governance. Through this initiative, Lungu envisions a Zambia where leadership is deeply rooted in ethical and moral values.

“The situation we face today is not just political; it is deeply spiritual. We need to reaffirm our Christian principles as the foundation for addressing poverty, corruption, and mismanagement,” Lungu told the gathered faithful. “Zambia needs a return to leadership grounded in faith and integrity.”

The former president also extended a call for unity across political factions, particularly among opposition parties. Lungu stressed the importance of collective action, asserting that it is only through solidarity that Zambia can confront its challenges and restore hope. “This is not about individual ambition, it’s about putting Zambia first,” he said, urging all political leaders to set aside personal interests for the greater good of the nation. His call found a receptive audience within the Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition figures, including TONSE Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo, PF Vice President Given Lubinda, and acting deputy Raphael Nakacinda.

In his appeal for opposition unity, Lungu emphasized that a morally cohesive alternative to the current government could offer the country a viable path forward. He also reiterated that the proposed Ministry of National Guidance would play a pivotal role in reinforcing Christian values within Zambia’s policies and decision-making processes.

Lungu’s focus on faith-driven governance has sparked debate about the appropriate role of religion in politics. For him, returning to Christian principles is not merely symbolic but an essential framework for tackling Zambia’s systemic issues. He believes that by championing virtues such as honesty, compassion, and integrity, the country can break free from the vices that hinder its growth.

The sentiments were echoed by Bishop Rev. Dr. Lordwell Siame of UCZ, who praised Lungu’s vision for moral leadership, calling on the church to meet both spiritual and social needs. Siame also encouraged Deaconess Mukasa to focus on uplifting the community, particularly the vulnerable, in her new role.

Later, outside the church service, Lungu briefly commented on the recent re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Lungu congratulated the American electorate for choosing a leader he believes upholds faith-based principles. Drawing a parallel to Zambia, Lungu suggested that Zambians, too, might look for leadership that reflects Christian values, particularly as they grow disillusioned with the current administration.

“America’s choice shows that people will always opt for a leader who stands for integrity and moral values,” Lungu remarked, hinting that Zambia may see a similar shift in political sentiment ahead of the next election.

Lungu’s pledge to complete the National House of Prayer and re-establish the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs underscores his vision for a faith-centered administration. As Zambia faces both internal challenges and global shifts in leadership, Lungu’s message of unity, integrity, and faith-driven governance may resonate with citizens seeking a return to familiar, values-based leadership. His appeal for a morally guided Zambia positions him as a potential alternative for voters disillusioned with the current political landscape.

Emmanuel Mwamba.

USA’s claim to exceptionalism debunked

By Mwansa Chalwe Snr
The 2016 election of Donald Trump was initially dismissed by some as a fluke, but his 2024 re-election reveals a more profound truth about American society. It’s astonishing that despite widespread awareness of Trump’s controversial actions and characteristics, including his racism, serial lying, criminal convictions, habitual dishonesty, misogyny, and an attempted coup, a significant portion of Americans still support him. The choice of Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris has exposed deap-seated issues with American society such as systemic racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality.

Furthermore, the 2024 U.S. presidential election has once again cast doubt on the country’s self-proclaimed status as an exceptional nation and democracy, with Donald Trump’s re-election throwing many of America’s foundational values into question. The former president’s return to power, despite his legal challenges, controversial past, and divisive record, has ignited global debates about the legitimacy of U.S. claims to uphold the rule of law, gender equality, democracy, and peaceful power transitions. America’s exceptionalism has been a guiding narrative for decades, but Trump’s victory challenges this image in fundamental ways.

Rule of Law: A Convict Elected to the Presidency

One of the central pillars of American democracy is the rule of law, which asserts that no one is above it. However, Trump’s re-election, even while facing serious legal challenges and being convicted on 34 counts and awaiting sentencing, defies this notion and logic. In many democracies and professional settings, a person convicted of a crime would be barred from office or disqualified from jobs requiring trust and responsibility. Yet, here is a man who was indicted on multiple charges, now holding the highest office in the land. This sends a contradictory message that, in America, the elite can evade the consequences of their actions, rendering the rule of law selective.
If any other public figure with a similar history attempted to secure a leadership role in most modern democracies, they would be swiftly disqualified. The willingness of a significant portion of the electorate to ignore or excuse his misogynistic tendencies signals a deep hypocrisy in America’s professed commitment to gender equity.

Gender Equality and Women’s Rights

Trump’s re-election also casts a dark shadow over America’s commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. His track record of derogatory comments toward women, multiple allegations of sexual assault, and his disregard for gender equality fly in the face of a country that prides itself on advancing women’s rights.
In addition to this troubling history, the 2024 election occurred in the wake of the Supreme Court’s revocation of Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed women’s constitutional right to abortion for nearly 50 years. This decision placed women’s reproductive rights on the ballot, with many voters seeing Trump’s victory as a continuation of policies that strip away women’s autonomy over their bodies. By electing a candidate who not only has a long-standing record of abusing and demeaning women but also supports the erosion of their reproductive freedoms, America has undermined its ability to claim leadership in the global fight for gender equality. It is a stark reminder that, despite progress, the U.S. still struggles to protect and promote women’s rights, especially when it comes to control over their own bodies. This outcome highlights the deep disconnect between America’s stated values and the political realities within its borders.

Democracy

American democracy is often presented as a model for the world. However, the re-election of a president who has consistently attacked the electoral process—calling the results of the 2020 election fraudulent without evidence—brings into question the integrity of the system. How can a country, whose leaders undermine the democratic process when it does not favour them, claim to be a beacon of democratic ideals? The election of a candidate who has disparaged the very framework of free and fair elections exposes deep cracks in the foundation of U.S. democratic values.

Peaceful Transfer of Power

One of the most critical components of any stable democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, leading to the January 6th Capitol riots, shattered this principle. A president who actively sowed doubt in the electoral process and incited his supporters to challenge a lawful transition now reoccupies the Oval Office. This starkly contradicts America’s assertion that it stands as a model for democratic transitions. Trump’s return to power signifies that the U.S. has not fully reckoned with the damage done to this cornerstone of democracy.

Authoritarianism

Trump’s well-documented admiration for authoritarian leaders, including his reported praise of Hitler, raises alarming concerns about the direction of American leadership. Throughout his first presidency, Trump openly admired dictators like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, expressing admiration for their unchecked power. His return to the White House, after expressing admiration for autocratic figures, dilutes America’s long-standing position as a global opponent of dictatorship. How can a nation that prides itself on opposing authoritarian regimes continue to do so with a president who expresses admiration for those same regimes?

Racism

From the early days of his real estate career, Trump has faced accusations of racism, including refusing to rent apartments to Black tenants in New York. This history, coupled with his inflammatory remarks on immigrants and his response to the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, solidifies his legacy as a divisive and racially prejudiced figure. Despite America’s progress in civil rights, the election of a candidate with such a racially charged record undermines the country’s claims of racial equality and justice. The election result reflects not only Trump’s personal biases but also a troubling undercurrent of racial tension in the American electorate.

Conclusion

The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 exposes the hypocrisy embedded in America’s claims to exceptionalism. A nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law, championing gender equality, promoting democracy, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power has, once again, elected a deeply flawed candidate. Trump’s victory underscores the fragility of these values in the U.S., revealing that the very principles the country promotes abroad are compromised at home. Far from being a beacon of exceptionalism, America is now reckoning with the contradictions that this election has laid bare for the world to see.

The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 exposes the hypocrisy embedded in America’s claims to exceptionalism. A nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law, championing gender equality, promoting democracy, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power has, once again, elected a deeply flawed candidate. Trump’s victory not only underscores the fragility of these values in the U.S., but it also signals that the credibility of America preaching the very principles it claims to be built on has gone out of the window.
The U.S. can no longer convincingly promote democracy, human rights, and rule of law abroad when it fails to live up to these ideals at home. In fact, Trump’s return to power will likely embolden dictators and autocrats around the world, who will see this as validation of their own disregard for democratic norms. Far from being a beacon of exceptionalism, America is now reckoning with the contradictions that this election has laid bare for the world to see.

Finally, it should be noted that the leaders a nation elects are a reflection of its society, and a nation gets the leaders it deserves. Americans have made their choice, and they should remember that elections have consequences and they know what they have signed for. They have to be prepared for the consequences and drama.

The writer is a Chartered Accountant, Author and an independent financial analyst and Economic Commentator.

In a passionate address at the Tonse Alliance launch, former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu formally accepted his adoption as the 2026 presidential candidate, emphasizing a united opposition to restore Zambia’s constitutional democracy, rule of law, and economic stability. Lungu called for broad-based collaboration among opposition parties, civil society, and citizens to counter what he described as economic and governance failures under the current administration, vowing to advocate for the wellbeing of ordinary Zambians.

Here is the Full Speech

SPEECH DELIVERED BY , THE 6TH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, DR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU AT THE TONSE ALLIANCE LAUNCH TO ACCEPT HIS ADOPTION AS THE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE ALLIANCE.

On 28th October, 2023, l Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia did officially announce my comeback into active politics during the 9th memorial ceremony of President Micheal Sata, the Founder of the Patriotic Front.

On that day, l mentioned that l came back into active politics to defend constitutional democracy, rule of law as well as help unite the Opposition to foster effective checks and balances and present a united front in the 2026 general elections.

Today, l want to repeat and emphasize my call for all opposition parties, civil society organizations and progressive citizens to come together and fight to rescue our country and restore constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law.

I’ve repeatedly expressed willingness to work with members of the Opposition and other progressive social formations to save our country from the current ruinous path.

We should not encourage working in isolation and in boxes, but forge alliances driven by a unity of purpose in order to develop our country.

The Church, civil society, trade unions, academia and political parties must collaborate and identify common issues that must be promoted together to rescue our people and the country from the failures, mismanagement and misrule perpetuated by this incompetent government.

Yes, it is no longer a secret that the UPND has plunged the country into economic turmoils, engaged in bad governance, destroyed constitutionalism, oppressed citizens and lamentably failed to deliver public services and campaign promises.

Make no mistake, this fight is not merely about removing the UPND from Government. It is about restoring the wellbeing of the Zambian people.
We must recognize that our country is suffering from an economic meltdown, high cost of living, unprecedented loadshedding and other crises.

The fight is about that bus driver who had hoped for better income by reason of the promise of cheaper fuel but is now disappointed that the promise has not been fulfilled.
It is about that barber man in Mtendere, that hair dresser in Chiwempala, that welder in Mazabuka who hoped that loadshedding was behind us considering that, we, in the Patriotic Front ended loadshedding, but now such businesses are shutting down or going for several days without electricity in their work places.

It is about that marketeer who is struggling to make ends meet because of the hostile business environment.
It is about that street vendor whose hustling earns him income of hand-to-mouth but now cannot even find market or place to trade from.

It is about restoring an effective farmer in-put support program that delivered input at the farm gate and ensured that the small-holder farmer was food secure.

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow country men and women, the youth and all our children, I am thankful and honoured for this noble gesture by the Tonse Alliance Partners of adopting me as the 2026 Presidential Candidate.

I pledge that I will not let you down as your 2026 presidential candidate. With your support and the support of the collective Zambians, victory is certain.

My appeal to other political alliances such as the United Kwacha Alliance, People’s Pact, the Zambia We Want, and other political parties is that, let’s keep our doors wide open to work together to redeem this country especially that all political and economic parameters are clearly showing that this government and its leader will not save Zambia.

I thank you and may the Almighty God Bless our Country, Zambia.