STATEMENT BY THE TONSE PAMODZI ALLIANCE SECRETARY GENERALCELESTIN M. MUKANDILA, ESQUIRE

STATEMENT BY THE TONSE PAMODZI ALLIANCE SECRETARY GENERALCELESTIN M. MUKANDILA, ESQUIRE My Fellow Citizens, We have witnessed one of the most rigorous and consequential elections in our nation’s history. Regardless of our political affiliations, Zambia must remain a united, multiparty, indivisible and unitary democratic state that upholds constitutional order, the rule of law and democratic […]

STATEMENT BY THE TONSE PAMODZI ALLIANCE SECRETARY GENERAL
CELESTIN M. MUKANDILA, ESQUIRE

My Fellow Citizens,

We have witnessed one of the most rigorous and consequential elections in our nation’s history. Regardless of our political affiliations, Zambia must remain a united, multiparty, indivisible and unitary democratic state that upholds constitutional order, the rule of law and democratic values.

I must hasten to emphasise that our nation requires healing now more than ever. My experience during this campaign trail has taught me that there is an urgent need for us to reflect on how we conduct our politics and how we relate to one another as citizens.

There have been numerous baseless accusations, inflammatory statements and unacceptable actions against participants in these elections. Such conduct must never become the standard of our political discourse.

We must, therefore, sanitise the way politics is conducted in our country. I have always advocated for a political culture founded on the competition of ideas, policies and visions for our nation, not one characterised by slander, malice, personal attacks and intimidation

I encourage all political participants and citizens to remain resolute and committed to democratic principles. Checks and balances are at the very heart of democracy, and divergent views should not be treated as a threat but as an essential part of strengthening our country.

To the Government and those entrusted with the responsibility of governing our nation, I wish to remind you that political power is vested in you by the people. That mandate must always be exercised within the confines of our Constitution and in the best interests of the Zambian people.

There is a pressing need to strengthen the rule of law, constitutionalism, accountability and good governance. Our institutions must remain strong, independent and capable of protecting the rights and freedoms of every citizen.

I remain a patriotic Zambian who has consistently believed in issue-based politics, and I will continue to advocate for politics centred on national development, ideas and solutions rather than mudslinging and personal attacks.

I call upon my fellow Zambians to play their part in building a nation founded on unity, peace, justice and shared prosperity. We must deliberately cultivate a political culture that is peaceful, tolerant and free from violence.

Our country needs a government that is willing to tolerate divergent views, because constructive criticism is necessary for identifying and correcting mistakes. No government, political party or individual is infallible.

We also remember with deep sorrow the families of those who have lost their loved ones as a result of political violence. May the Almighty God comfort and strengthen them, and may the souls of those who departed rest in eternal peace.

I further call for calm, peace and restraint among all citizens and supporters of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, its presidential candidate, President Brian Mundubile, and his running mate, Hon. Makebi Zulu, as we await further guidance and the appropriate constitutional processes.

The responsibility before us is enormous. We must place Zambia above our individual and political interests and ensure that our actions contribute to peace, stability and national unity.

To President Hakainde S. Hichilema, my advice is that this nation requires healing. We must heal from the wounds of the past as well as those created in the present. Our collective responsibility to Zambia must be discharged with patriotism, humility, tolerance and love for one another.

Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, ideas over insults, tolerance over intolerance, and unity over division.

May God bless our great Republic of Zambia. May His love, peace and wisdom be upon our people.

One Zambia, One Nation.

Celestin M. Mukandila, Esquire
Secretary General
Tonse Pamodzi Alliance