Dialogue, Consensus, and Peace

 ... Government Sets the Tone Ahead of Upcoming Elections, Outlining Policies and Priorities to Guide Public Discours

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (22-11-2025) -- The UPND government has called on Zambians to resolve national concerns through dialogue, consensus, and peaceful engagement rather than taking to the streets, as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections. 

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the administration remains committed to an inclusive approach that recognises the church, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders as central to governance and national decision-making.

Mr. Mweetwa emphasised that while the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly, that right is not without limits. 

He warned that public gatherings could be exploited by individuals seeking to disrupt public order, particularly during politically sensitive periods like the build-up to elections. 

He stressed that the government prefers dialogue and consultation as a means to address issues affecting citizens, noting that peaceful engagement remains the most effective way to preserve national stability.

He said the government has established the Constitutional Technical Committee to engage citizens on Bill 7, the proposed constitutional amendment, ensuring that the process incorporates views from all corners of the country. 

This inclusive approach, he explained, is meant to provide legitimacy and broad consensus for any constitutional reforms, reinforcing that constitutional matters are a national conversation and not a source of conflict.

Mr. Mweetwa reminded the public that constitutional reform is not new in Zambia.

 He cited Bill 10, which was brought to Parliament between 2020 and 2021 and was debated and ultimately defeated through normal parliamentary channels. 

During that process, no group called for civil disobedience or incited citizens to protest on the streets, demonstrating that constitutional matters can and should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.

He underscored the role of the church, civil society, and other governance stakeholders in maintaining peace, particularly in the run-up to elections. 

“Every general election is a potentially hazardous moment for any country,” Mr. Mweetwa said. 

“It is therefore critical that leaders, institutions, and citizens pull in the same direction to safeguard peace, unity, and national cohesion.”

The Chief Government Spokesperson also linked peace and dialogue to Zambia’s economic transformation agenda. 

He noted that under President Hichilema’s leadership, the country is moving from economic recovery to a phase of stability, resilience, and growth. 

He highlighted ongoing government interventions, including investments in alternative electricity generation to address the national power shortage, describing the energy crisis as the “elephant in the room” that the President is addressing aggressively.

 He said resolving these structural challenges will create space for further economic reforms aimed at improving citizens’ livelihoods.

Addressing the ongoing divisions within the opposition Patriotic Front, Mr. Mweetwa said the government sympathises with the party over internal disagreements and urged members to restore stability. 

He stressed that the PF is a political competitor, not an enemy, and that healthy political competition is vital for the proper functioning of democracy. 

“No Zambian takes pleasure in seeing the neighbour’s house on fire,” he added, emphasising that the stability of opposition parties contributes to overall national peace.

Mr. Mweetwa concluded by appealing to all Zambians to uphold dialogue, consensus, and peace as guiding principles for national governance. 

He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive engagement with stakeholders and called on citizens to support the administration’s efforts to maintain unity and advance development under the principle of “One Zambia, One Nation.”