The Petauke By-Election must remind President Hichilema that democracy is not a puppet show for consolidating power but a sacred duty to the people. Zambians must seize this moment to teach him that power is a responsibility to uplift democracy, not a privilege to undermine it.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Nov. 29 – President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership trajectory has exposed a troubling reality: his administration appears more focused on consolidating power than upholding democratic principles. This should sound alarm bells for every Zambian who cherishes the fragile democracy we have worked hard to build. Democracy, after all, is more than just casting a vote every five years. It is about fostering continuous and meaningful citizen participation, a cornerstone that has been eroded under President Hichilema’s reign. If left unchecked, this descent into authoritarian tendencies could spell the death knell for Zambia’s democracy.
Also Read: Democracy Redefined: Building Lasting Institutions That Serve Beyond Elections. “Democracy extends beyond preparing voters for elections; it’s about building accountable institutions that serve the people consistently, regardless of election outcomes or leadership! ” – Amb. Gonzales.
The announcement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) that it will soon declare the date for the Petauke Central parliamentary by-election is yet another symptom of the government’s growing disdain for democratic norms. The vacancy arose under suspicious circumstances involving the disappearance of the area’s Member of Parliament, a development many suspect was orchestrated to serve political ends. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro revealed that the move was prompted by a notice from the Speaker of the National Assembly, confirming the vacancy. Such machinations raise critical questions about the independence of key institutions under the current administration.
Zambians must view this by-election, along with previous ones in Kabushi and Kwacha, as part of a larger pattern of governance driven by self-interest rather than national welfare. These by-elections do not advance the interests of the electorate; they are carefully calculated moves to strengthen the ruling party’s grip on Parliament. Citizens must reflect on the choices they make at the ballot box and demand leaders who prioritize the nation’s development over political gamesmanship.
The timing of these by-elections also underscores the government’s misplaced priorities. With the country grappling with drought and power deficits, scarce financial resources should be directed toward mitigating these crises, not funding politically motivated elections. These events reveal a government that is indifferent to the struggles of ordinary Zambians. The cost of bolstering President Hichilema’s parliamentary majority comes at a steep price—one borne by citizens who are already stretched to their limits. Whose interests, then, do these constitutional amendments and power plays truly serve?
In light of these realities, it is imperative for Zambians to rise above the apathy and despair that often accompany such betrayals. A robust democracy depends on strong, independent institutions that can check the excesses of those in power. Unfortunately, under President Hichilema, these institutions have been reduced to shadows of their former selves, serving as tools for his self-preservation. Citizens must demand accountability, transparency, and reforms that restore the dignity and independence of these critical governance pillars.
Also Read: Silencing the Truth Fails to Mask the Reality, Paves the Way for Lungu’s Return. As Zambia’s economic crisis worsens and Hichilema resorts to silencing the revelation of the truth, the likelihood of Edgar Lungu’s comeback grows, reflecting the people’s call for leadership that values accountability and true public service over political suppression.
As we approach the 2026 general elections, the call to action has never been more urgent. This is not merely a fight against an individual; it is a battle for the soul of our democracy. Let us unite to resist the creeping authoritarianism that threatens our nation. Zambia deserves leaders who understand that power is not a privilege but a responsibility. If we fail to act, the legacy of our forebears who fought for democracy risks being buried under the weight of political ambition and arrogance.
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