The Editor Zambia
As Zambia approaches its August 13 general election, appeals for peace have intensified from religious leaders, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens.
It is entirely appropriate to urge restraint and respect for democratic principles. However, if such appeals are to be meaningful, they should be directed first and foremost at Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance political thugs who are on record of committing violence. 
Recent statements calling upon United States President Donald Trump, the European Union, and Archbishop Alick Banda to intervene in Zambia’s electoral environment raise important questions about where responsibility for maintaining peace truly lies.
While international partners and faith leaders can encourage dialogue and democratic values, they cannot substitute for the responsibility of Zambia’s own political actors like Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance members to conduct peaceful campaigns.
Those making appeals to foreign governments should instead be urging Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance supporters to reject violence unequivocally and to cooperate with law enforcement whenever allegations arise.
Peace begins at home and cannot be imported from Washington, Brussels, or anywhere else.
The country has witnessed numerous incidents of violence during this election period. Social media has been awash with photographs and videos of Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance political thugs changing into UPND political regalia to paint the ruling party negatively.
Similarly, admission by Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance senior leader Binwell Mpundu of training political cadres for the purposes of implementing organised acts of violence and disruptions during the election period should make one understand where to place the appeals.
While Archbishop Alick Banda is correct to remind political leaders that democracy flourishes through ideas, persuasion, and debate rather than intimidation, he should know better of who is squarely responsible for political violence in the country.
Likewise, international partners have long supported Zambia’s democratic institutions through election observation, technical assistance, and encouragement of constitutional governance, but they need to investigate the source of violence for their statements to carry weight.
The most effective appeal, therefore, is not one directed primarily at foreign capitals but one addressed to Zambia’s opposition political leadership and campaign organisers.
Every party must ensure that its members conduct themselves peacefully, obey the law, and reject any attempt to intimidate opponents or voters.
This is what President Hakainde Hichilema has been preaching about. People know that the bad eggs in UPND have been tamed. It is not so with Tonse-Pamodzi Pamodzi Alliance political players who are still following the script from the PF days.
Zambia has earned regional and international respect for conducting largely peaceful democratic transitions over many years.
That reputation belongs to the Zambian people, not to any foreign government or individual leader.
Preserving it as the UPND has done requires political maturity, institutional independence, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
The coming days present an opportunity for every political party to demonstrate that elections are contests of ideas rather than confrontations between rival supporters.
Citizens deserve campaigns focused on policies affecting the economy, employment, education, healthcare, and national development instead of accusations and violence.
Ultimately, the strongest message ahead of polling day is a simple one: Zambia’s democracy will be strengthened not by appeals to external actors alone, but by opposition leaders to respect the Constitution and accept the verdict of the electorate.
