Post-Election Healing Key to Strengthening National Unity — Expert

The expert also called for greater interaction between political leaders and communities across different regions, saying political parties should not limit their engagement to areas where they traditionally enjoy strong support.

He said opposition parties, in particular, should consider building teams comprising people from different regions to help strengthen their national reach and encourage broader political participation.

According to the Miyanda, economic and social inclusion will also be important in strengthening national cohesion.

He called for development, economic activities and social amenities to be distributed across the country, arguing that broader inclusion could help reduce perceptions of regional exclusion.

He further urged political leaders to avoid presenting different messages to different parts of the country, saying those seeking national office should demonstrate a national character.

The expert said the responsibility for strengthening unity would not end with the declaration of the election winner, as the next leadership would have to address divisions that may have emerged during the electoral process.

“If the winner is a credible leader, he’s going to have a lot of work to do,” he said, stressing the need for continued efforts to unite the country after the elections.

He said political leaders, civil society and other stakeholders should work towards encouraging Zambians to judge leaders on their ability to deliver rather than on regional or tribal considerations.

Article by Karen Ngulube