Christian Nation Advocates Urge Peace, Unity and Integrity Ahead of Zambia's Elections

By Alain Kabinda 

As Zambia approaches a crucial election, advocates of the country's Christian Nation Declaration have called on political leaders, institutions and citizens to safeguard peace, uphold democratic principles and remain faithful to the values they say have shaped the nation's identity since independence.

Speaking during a public address, Bishop Billy Mfula reflected on Zambia's Christian heritage, tracing its roots to the country's founding years and the prayers of early leaders who sought God's guidance during the transition to independence.

He also referenced the historic prayer attributed to missionary David Livingstone and the 1991 declaration by former President Frederick Chiluba that Zambia is a Christian Nation, describing both as defining moments in the country's spiritual journey.

According to Bishop Mfula, the annual commemoration of the declaration serves as a reminder that Zambia's national identity is founded on faith and that public leadership should be exercised with integrity, justice and accountability.

With the country preparing for the August 13 general elections, Bishop Mfula appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to conduct the electoral process with fairness, transparency and professionalism. He said credible elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce the country's commitment to peaceful governance.

The bishop also urged political parties to place national interests above partisan competition.

"Before we belong to any political party, we are first and foremost Zambians," he said, stressing that governments and political parties change while the nation remains.

Throughout his address, Bishop Mfula repeatedly called for patriotism, warning against political violence and divisions that could outlast election campaigns. He encouraged citizens to maintain peace before, during and after voting, regardless of the outcome.

He further appealed to both the ruling party and the opposition to accept the election results should they lose, describing acceptance of the people's verdict as a demonstration of political maturity and democratic integrity.

Bishop Mfula said former presidents should continue serving the nation as elder statesmen, offering guidance and counsel to those who assume leadership. Such a culture, he argued, would encourage peaceful transfers of power and strengthen democratic governance across Africa.

In addition, he recommended that future presidents surround themselves with respected spiritual leaders who can provide prayer, moral guidance and counsel throughout their tenure.

Bishop Mfula reaffirmed support for maintaining Zambia's Christian Nation Declaration, noting that successive presidents have publicly recognised the country's Christian identity. He urged future administrations to continue promoting national prayer, Christian values and unity as part of governance.

Bishop Mfula has further calls for Zambians to remain united beyond political differences, emphasising that the country's future depends on citizens choosing peace over conflict and national unity over partisan interests.

As election day draws nearer, the message from the Christian Nation advocates was clear: democratic competition should never come at the expense of peace, and every Zambian has a responsibility to protect the country's stability, regardless of political affiliation.