President Hichilema warns against violence, cadreism as Zambia prepares for 2026 elections

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned that there would be no space for violence, cadreism, or any form of lawlessness in Zambia as the nation heads toward the August 13, 2026 general elections. He said government efforts to amend the Constitution were aimed at ensuring fair and equitable representation, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities who, for the first time in Zambia’s history, will be guaranteed seats at various governance levels. “Under our watch, there is no room for political violence, there is no room for cadreism, and there is no room for lawlessness,” Hichilema said, insisting that national unity must remain at the centre of political discourse.

Looking ahead to the 2026 general elections, he pledged that the polls would be free, fair, credible, and peaceful. He urged political actors to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and respect for differing views. “Democracy thrives on ideas, persuasion, and respect for divergent views.

We should always choose unity over division, dialogue and inclusion over conflict and insults, and progress over politicking,” he said. “We are now able to prosecute corruption and economic crimes within five months, a huge contrast to what we used to see, where cases could take 20 years or more,” he said. He reported that the country had achieved the largest asset recovery in its history — including real estate, vehicles, helicopters, and cash — with recovered assets being returned to the citizens of Zambia. Hichilema praised traditional leaders for their contribution to national cohesion, noting that they were increasingly attending each other’s traditional ceremonies, a reflection of growing unity.