Statement by Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio UN Zambia Resident Coordinator: Official Launch of the Coalition for Peaceful Elections in the Republic of Zambia - 01 July 2021

• Representatives of the Church Mother Bodies and the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue, co-conveners of the Coalition
• The Moderator, Professor Luis Franceschi, Senior Director, Governance and Peace Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat
• Representatives of the NGOCC, Law association of Zambia, Human Rights Commission, the Media Institute for Southern Africa, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations, Transparency International Zambia, and the Zambia Police Service
• Commonwealth colleagues
• UN colleagues
• The media
• Ladies and gentlemen

I am honoured to be with here you today on the launch of the Coalition for Peaceful Elections Platform. As we all follow the political situation in the Zambia, we are all aware that we need to act to prevent political violence of the country. We are also aware of the need to encourage the public and all stakeholders to have confidence in the electoral process and demonstrate their commitment to peaceful and credible elections.

Sadly, in the recent past, violence has been reported in different parts of the country related to political campaigns which, clearly, is a threat to inclusive, credible, and peaceful elections on August 12, 2021. The UN will continue monitoring the situation and engaging with the Government and people of Zambia to maintain and sustain peace which is essential for attaining the country’s development priorities. 

Ladies and gentlemen

Violence undermines Zambian core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia and affects the inspiring and exemplary image of Zambia as a stable multi-party democracy and a beacon of peace in the region.

Over the years, Zambia has cultivated a reputation for conducting credible and peaceful elections, with hitch-free transitions. It is essential to maintain and further nurture this. All citizens, regardless of their status have a role to play in this regard.

I, therefore, commend the efforts of the Church Mother Bodies and the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue for co-convening this coalition.

Along with the Commonwealth, the UN is happy to support this initiative. In fact, within the electoral process, the UN provides support to its Member States through technical assistance and its good offices to help promote a climate for transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections. Supporting this coalition will contribute to strengthening the commitment to peace by the different political parties.

Ladies and gentlemen

Further, in supporting this initiative, the UN is concretizing the recommendations of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to the African Union, Ms Hanna Tetteh, who recently visited Zambia as part of UN continued engagement and support to promote an atmosphere for transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections. Ms Tetteh had the opportunity to meet with Her Honour the Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia Mrs. Inonge Wina and various senior Government officials. 

Others included key institutions of democracy, Civil Society, members of the diplomatic corps, Faith Based Organisations, political parties, and the media, all of whom clearly articulated their perspectives on the country’s achievements and challenges ahead of the 2021 elections.

In concluding her visit, the Special Representative conveyed key messages on different aspects of the election. Here, I would like to remind us by quoting two key messages she conveyed.

I quote:

“Stakeholders raised the issue of limited space for dialogue which is critical in preventing political violence and promoting peace. We call on all political players to be open to dialogue and jointly address contentious issues which affect their political participation. In addition, during this campaign period, we encourage political actors, in particular those in leadership to convey messages of peace and unity as they have the power to influence public behavior and have a crucial role to play in ensuring that Zambians do not engage in violence. These actions are important to ensure that Zambia maintains its reputation as a beacon of peace on the continent.”

“For democracy to flourish, it is important that all special interest groups are given an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. We note with concern that youth, particularly political party cadres are typically at the forefront of perpetuating violence. Youth need to be meaningfully engaged in politics and not serve as tools of violence as such behaviour does not inspire public confidence in “our leaders of today and tomorrow. Further, women and Persons with Disabilities are not significantly represented as candidates in the political process.  I, therefore, wish to encourage the youth to be agents of peace and not to be associated with violence.”

End of quote.

Ladies and gentlemen

For the UN, the establishment of the coalition is in line with these recommendations. Each one of you, in your mission and mandate in the Zambian society, has a power and influence and a crucial role that allows you to contribute to maintaining peace in Zambia. I wish to encourage everyone, including those outside this coalition, to serve as messengers of peace, using every opportunity you can get in the course your daily duties.

In conclusion let me wish the coalition a fruitful mission and for us all to reach the vision of this coalition which is “a peaceful, united and democratic Zambia where there is political tolerance, respect for diversity, gender equality and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for all”.

I thank you.