By 
Former Advisor to late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, Jack Kalala, has urged Zambians to evaluate election candidates based on integrity, competence, vision, and commitment to national development as the country heads toward the polls.
Kalala said citizens must avoid making choices driven by emotion, division, tribal or regional affiliation, or short-term interests, insisting that decisions should instead focus on what best serves Zambia’s long-term stability, unity, and prosperity.
“In short, national interests should be considered paramount and a priority,” he said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday.
He stressed that upholding peace before, during, and after the elections is equally essential.
“Zambia has long been known as a beacon of peace in the region and Africa as a whole, and it is our collective duty and responsibility to preserve this legacy,” he said.
Kalala further called on citizens to reject all forms of violence, intimidation, hate speech and misinformation, noting that differences in political views should never divide the nation.
He appealed to political leaders, parties, and their supporters to conduct themselves in a respectful and lawful manner throughout the campaign period.
“Leadership begins with examples, and the tone set today will shape the Zambia we inherit tomorrow,” Kalala said.
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He noted that this year marks an important moment for the country as Zambians prepare to elect leaders who will guide the nation for the next five years when they vote in August.
“As we prepare to exercise our democratic right to choose leaders at the local, parliamentary, and national levels, it is important that we approach this responsibility with the seriousness, maturity, and patriotism it deserves,” he added.
Kalala emphasized that elections are not merely an event but a defining process that shapes the country’s future, its communities, and generations to come.
He urged institutions responsible for managing the electoral process to ensure transparency, fairness, and professionalism so that the will of the people is respected and upheld.
“Fellow citizens, the future of our beloved country is in your hands. Let us rise to the occasion with unity of purpose, wisdom, and shared commitment to the greater good of our country and posterity,” he said.
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