Heed the people, not power
AS ZAMBIA moves closer to the August 13 general elections, the warning sounded by former minister of transport and communication Brian Mushimba deserves serious reflection, especially by President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND) administration.
Dr Mushimba’s sentiments that the 2026 polls will be a referendum on the last five years are not only accurate, but also unavoidable. Elections by their very nature are moments of accountability. They are the ultimate test of whether a government has lived up to its promises, respected democratic norms and maintained the trust of the people.
What makes his counsel timely is the growing concern among citizens about the state of governance in the country. Over the past five years, Zambians have witnessed troubling trends including the selective application of justice, the denial of permits for opposition political rallies and mobilisation activities as well as the enactment of restrictive cyber laws that have instilled fear and in some cases, silenced dissenting voices.
These are not minor grievances. They strike at the very core of democratic governance. A system that appears to favour some while disadvantaging others inevitably breeds suspicion and erodes public confidence. When opposition voices are constrained and citizens begin to self-censor out of fear, the democratic space shrinks and with it, the legitimacy of those in power.
Dr Mushimba is therefore justified in suggesting that the current administration may be slipping into self-preservation mode. History has shown that when governments begin to sense waning public support, the temptation to manipulate systems, institutions and rules becomes dangerously strong. But such maneuvers, however sophisticated, rarely succeed in the long run.
The will of the people is a force that cannot be legislated away, suppressed by institutions, or diluted through procedural adjustments. It is expressed clearly and decisively at the ballot box.
The rush to introduce constitutional and electoral changes close to an election as highlighted by Dr Mushimba only heightens public suspicion. Whether it is amendments affecting key clauses or shifts in electoral laws, timing matters. Changes introduced at the 11th hour are unlikely to be viewed as neutral reforms, instead they risk being interpreted as calculated moves to tilt the playing field.
Equally concerning are perceptions surrounding the role of the Judiciary. A justice system that is seen as partisan undermines the very foundation of democracy. Courts must not only be independent; they must also be seen to be independent. Once public trust in the judiciary is shaken, the consequences for governance are profound.
Hichilema and the UPND came into office on the back of strong promises to restore democracy, uphold the rule of law and create a more open and inclusive political environment. Those promises resonated with millions of Zambians who yearned for change. It is therefore imperative that the same administration does not fall into the very patterns it once criticised.
This is why Dr Mushimba’s message should not be dismissed as mere opposition rhetoric. It is in fact a cautionary note grounded in democratic principle that no government regardless of its intentions or strategies, can override the collective will of the people.
The August 13 election will not be decided by courtrooms, legislative maneuvers or administrative discretion. It will be decided by citizens, ordinary Zambians who will assess whether their lives have improved, whether their freedoms have been protected, and whether their voices have been heard.
If the UPND still enjoys the confidence of the people, it has nothing to fear from a free, fair and transparent electoral process. But if that confidence has eroded, no amount of strategic adjustment will reverse the verdict.
The path forward is clear. The government must recommit itself to fairness, openness and respect for democratic institutions. It must ensure that the electoral environment is level, that all political players are given equal space, and that citizens can express themselves without fear.
It must be emphasised here that power in a democracy does not belong to those who govern, it belongs to the people. And on August 13, the people will decide.
