Late former President Levy Mwanawasa’s eldest daughters, Miriam Mwanawasa and Lorna Mwanawasa, have publicly endorsed Tonse-PF Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu ahead of the 13 August general election, saying their decision…

Late former President Levy Mwanawasa’s eldest daughters, Miriam Mwanawasa and Lorna Mwanawasa, have publicly endorsed Tonse-PF Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu ahead of the 13 August general election, saying their decision is rooted in constitutionalism, the rule of law and national unity.

Speaking jointly in Lusaka at the weekend, the sisters said they were addressing the nation not merely as daughters of a former Head of State, but as patriotic Zambians committed to safeguarding the country’s democratic foundations.

“We stand before you today not merely as daughters of our late Republican President, Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, but as patriotic Zambians who believe that our nation is greater than any political party, any government or any individual,” they said.

They added that they were speaking “for every Zambian who believes in justice, constitutionalism, democracy and national unity.”

Drawing on Zambia’s enduring national values, Miriam and Lorna invoked founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s timeless call of “One Zambia, One Nation”, describing it as more than a slogan but “a national covenant” that reminds every citizen, regardless of tribe, province, language or political affiliation, that they belong equally to the Republic. They also recalled Dr Kaunda’s teaching that “We are all God’s children” and former President Michael Sata’s reminder that “God has stopped making new countries.”

“These principles belong to no political party. They belong to Zambia,” they said.

Reflecting on their father’s legacy, the sisters said Dr Levy Mwanawasa had demonstrated that the rule of law was the foundation of national development, showing that fighting corruption, strengthening institutions and respecting the Constitution were not acts of political convenience but acts of patriotism. They also acknowledged former President Edgar Lungu’s position that constitutional democracy is strengthened when power is exercised under the law and citizens’ rights are protected.

They reminded the nation that Zambia’s Constitution establishes the country as a sovereign democratic Republic governed by the supremacy of the Constitution, guarantees equality before the law, provides for the separation of powers and requires an independent Judiciary that administers justice without fear, favour or prejudice.

The sisters warned that when institutions became weak, ordinary people became vulnerable, and when justice became selective, public confidence in democracy began to erode.

“Our appeal today is simple: Let Parliament remain independent. Let the Judiciary remain independent. Let constitutional institutions remain independent. Let law enforcement remain professional. Let justice never depend on political affiliation, wealth, influence or status.”

“Justice delayed weakens confidence. Justice denied weakens democracy. Justice must be equal for all.”

They also delivered a message to both political leaders and citizens, saying leadership should always be understood as stewardship and reminding those entrusted with power that while governments change, the Constitution endures.

“Power is temporary. The Constitution is permanent. Criticism is not the enemy of democracy. Accountability strengthens democracy.”

The sisters further appealed to citizens to reject violence, hatred, tribalism and political intolerance, urging Zambians to exercise their democratic freedoms peacefully and to disagree without becoming enemies.

While outlining their concerns, Miriam and Lorna acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema for continuing national development through investments in infrastructure, roads, education and other public services. They said development belonged to all Zambians and every administration had a responsibility to build upon the foundations laid by those before it.

However, they stressed that development must always go hand in hand with strengthening democratic institutions, protecting the Constitution and upholding the rule of law.

As the country approaches the 13 August general election, the sisters said constitutional reforms remained essential both before and after the polls to strengthen democratic governance, safeguard judicial independence, reinforce checks and balances, and protect the rights and freedoms of every citizen.

“A Constitution must never be written to benefit those who govern today. It must protect generations yet unborn,” they said.

After what they described as careful reflection, the sisters formally announced their endorsement of Brian Mundubile for President and Makebi Zulu for Vice-President.

“We believe they have the capacity to strengthen constitutional governance, uphold the Rule of Law and serve all Zambians.”

They concluded their address with what they described as a message to the nation: “The Constitution above politics. The Rule of Law above personalities. Justice above power. Unity above division. One Zambia. One Nation. One Future.”

The endorsement carries considerable symbolic significance given the legacy of late President Levy Mwanawasa, whose administration was widely associated with constitutional governance, institutional reform and the fight against corruption. It also provides a notable boost to Mundubile’s campaign, which has consistently focused on restoring confidence in public institutions and strengthening constitutional governance.