Governance expert, Wesly Miyanda has urged President […]

Governance expert, Wesly Miyanda has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to use the official opening of the 14th National Assembly to preach peace and national unity as the country moves forward after the August 2026 general elections.

The First Session of the 14th National Assembly is scheduled to be officially opened by President Hichilema on October 9, 2026, where he is expected to outline the Government’s policy direction and priorities for the 2026/2027 period.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Miyanda said the President should use the occasion to reassure citizens, particularly opposition supporters who may still be dealing with disappointment following the election outcome, that the country remains united despite political differences.

“The President should speak to the importance of peace and national unity because the elections caused emotions and uncertainty, especially among members of the opposition who are still nursing wounds and disbelief of losing the elections,” he said.

Miyanda added that President Hichilema should emphasise that political competition must end with respect for the electoral outcome and that citizens should avoid allowing political differences to divide the country.

He said the country needs a message of unity from the Head of State because the implementation of the Government’s development agenda will require cooperation from citizens across political lines.

“The President should assure Zambians that he means well as the Republican President and that people should learn to accept and respect the outcome of elections as declared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, because peace and unity are important for the country to move forward,” said Miyanda.

Meanwhile, he stated that the Grow Zambia Agenda can only succeed in an environment where citizens and political players work together, while leaders remain open to credible checks and balances.

The governance expert said political differences should not prevent citizens from holding leaders accountable, as constructive scrutiny was necessary to ensure transparency and responsible use of national resources.

“Grow Zambia can only be actualised by working together, ensuring that there is peace and unity of purpose, while citizens continue holding leaders accountable through credible checks and balances to ensure transparency in the manner national resources are being utilised,” he said.

Miyanda further indicated that President Hichilema’s message should ultimately reassure both supporters and opponents that Zambia’s development must come before political divisions, with peace remaining central to the country’s next phase.

By Philip Sinkala