IN just 28 days, Zambia goes to the polls that are set for August 11 and so far, the road to this day has been rather patchy, where peace is concerned.
The violent events that have left an indelible mark prior to this year’s presidential and general elections cannot be allowed to continue as the day draws near.
The country needs every Zambian to take part in the polls directly or indirectly by promoting a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the elections.
Indeed, it is every Zambian’s duty to maintain the peace that the country has enjoyed since independence.
Like the American human rights activist Martin Luther King III has said, it is the responsibility of every Zambian to ensure that there is no violence in the country ahead of the 2016 general elections.
Dr King, who is the son of renowned human rights activist, the late Martin Luther King Junior, said the fight against violence was not just Government’s responsibility, but was a burden for all Zambians.
Certainly, the promotion of peace is not a preserve for leaders only, but every ordinary individual who does not take pride in bloodshed and suffering of others.
Peace is independent of external conditions and circumstances. Peace, according to scholars, presents tranquillity, inner harmony and balance.
It gives humans the ability to remain calm, undisturbed and in control of themselves. Even in difficult and unpleasant situations, peace counts the most.
It is not only important when things are moving smoothly according to one’s needs but, even when they are not working in one’s favour, it is vital to ensure that it (peace) is not disturbed.
Those who introduce violence because they refuse to go down alone are enemies of peace and do not deserve to be leaders of anything.
As Dr King rightly put it during the opening of the Freedoms of Peaceful Assembly and Expression workshop in Lusaka, only Zambians can determine the destiny of the elections.
Every effort of each Zambian towards ending political violence would determine the success of this year’s elections.
It is important for Zambians to realise that inculcating love in all aspects of their daily routine is key to ending violence as one would be humane enough to consider the sanctity of life.
It is indeed heart-breaking to see lives being lost in the name of politics. No Zambian life deserves to be taken and there is no good reason to have someone killed as the country goes to the polls.
Why should Zambians spill each other’s blood when this country is already independent?
What are we fighting for? Leadership?
God forbid, because power comes from God Himself and those whom He has chosen will surely have their time according to His own plan.
We should not allow a situation where this nation would attract attention for the wrong reasons, but for the peace that it is known for.
The Zambian people have the power to keep the flame of peace burning and to build their own better future after the elections.
Let us always carry the slogan of ‘One Zambia One Nation’. Divided we fall and united we stand.