There is something remarkable about Zambia that deserves to be understood beyond the headlines: even after a fiercely contested election, the country remains largely calm.
As Zambia emerges from the 13 August 2026 general election, the atmosphere across much of the country is strikingly different from the images of post-election disorder that have become familiar in other parts of the world. There have been pockets of disturbing incidents, including reports of violence and disruptions. These incidents must not be dismissed, and they deserve proper investigation. But neither should they be allowed to become the defining image of an entire nation.
For me, this has been one of the most peaceful elections I have witnessed in Zambia.
The most important story may therefore not be what happened at a handful of polling stations, but what did not happen across the country. Millions of Zambians went to the polls, cast their votes and returned to their homes, markets, farms, businesses and communities. Families with different political loyalties continued to live together. Neighbours who voted differently still spoke to one another. Churches continued to worship. Communities continued with ordinary life.
That is Zambia.
We are not simply a country divided into political parties. We are a country of communities.
That social fabric is one of Zambia’s greatest national assets.
It is precisely why political actors must exercise extraordinary responsibility in the days ahead. Elections eventually end, but the consequences of political rhetoric can remain. A reckless statement can turn political disagreement into personal hatred. An irresponsible rumour can turn a community against itself. In the age of social media, a deliberately manufactured image or misleading video can travel faster than the truth.
There will inevitably be disagreements about the election, the counting process and the conduct of various actors. Those concerns should be addressed through institutions, evidence and the law. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has a constitutional responsibility to complete the process transparently, while political parties have a responsibility to pursue grievances through legitimate democratic channels. The Commission itself has urged restraint and warned against premature claims of victory.
There will always be those who benefit from instability. Some may deliberately amplify isolated incidents, exaggerate tensions or portray Zambia as descending into chaos because such narratives serve political or other interests. We must be careful. Manufacturing disorder where none exists is deeply irresponsible.
The world should therefore look at Zambia with both honesty and perspective.
Yes, there are questions that must be answered. Yes, there are grievances that deserve attention. Zambia remains a nation that has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to resolve political differences without destroying the social bonds that hold its people together.
The task now is bigger than determining who won and who lost.
It is about protecting Zambia itself.
We are, above all, a country of communities.
And no election should ever be allowed to make us enemies.
