Whether the remarks were intended literally or figuratively, many viewers have interpreted them as encouraging confrontation rather than peaceful political competition.

That alone should concern every Zambian.

The Electoral Code of Conduct exists for one reason—to ensure that political parties compete with ideas instead of intimidation.

No candidate, regardless of political party, should issue statements that may be interpreted as threatening violence against political opponents.

Democracy flourishes where candidates are free to campaign throughout the country without fear.

It weakens where political actors begin suggesting that certain regions belong exclusively to particular political parties or ethnic groups.

If the video accurately reflects what was said, then the relevant authorities should examine the matter and determine whether any provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct or other laws have been breached.

Justice should never be selective.

If opposition politicians have previously been investigated, arrested or prosecuted over statements alleged to amount to incitement or hate speech, then the same legal standards should apply to members of the ruling party.

The law cannot have two definitions—one for those in government and another for those outside it.

Equal justice remains one of the cornerstones of democracy.

Another aspect of the remarks that has attracted attention is the reference to respected Barotse Royal Establishment figures, including Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika and Ngambela Clement Sinyinda.

Traditional institutions occupy a special place in Zambia’s constitutional and cultural landscape.

While political debate is inevitable during election campaigns, public discourse involving traditional leaders should always be conducted respectfully and responsibly.

The controversy also highlights another challenge that continues to haunt Zambia’s politics—tribal mobilisation.

Statements suggesting that citizens should support leaders primarily because they belong to a particular ethnic group undermine decades of nation-building.

The strength of Zambia has always been its diversity.

No province belongs to one political party.

No district belongs to one tribe.

Every presidential candidate has the constitutional right to campaign in every corner of Zambia, just as every citizen has the constitutional right to vote freely without intimidation.

If politicians begin encouraging supporters to regard certain areas as political “no-go zones,” the country risks sliding into dangerous territory.

History across Africa teaches that political violence often begins with words before it escalates into physical confrontation.

That is why inflammatory language should never be trivialised.

Leaders set the tone.

Supporters follow it.

The responsibility therefore lies not only with Hon. Makai Makai but with every political leader, regardless of party affiliation.

UPND.

Tonse Alliance.

Socialist Party.

Patriotic Front.

Independent candidates.

The standard must remain exactly the same.

Political competition should never become personal hostility.

It should certainly never become tribal confrontation.

Ultimately, this election is not simply about choosing who governs Zambia for the next five years.

It is also about demonstrating the maturity of our democracy.

Campaigns will end.

The election will pass.

But Zambians will continue living together long after the campaign posters have been removed.

No political victory is worth sacrificing national unity.

Let every political party campaign freely.

Let every candidate be protected equally.

And where the law has been broken, let it be applied fairly—without fear, favour or political consideration.

That is how democracies are strengthened.

That is how peace is preserved.

The EYE VIEW is Zambian Eye’s weekly opinion column examining politics, governance, business, sport, religion and society. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of Zambian Eye.

By Mbanga Ilukui Irvine
Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States (2026)