20/08/2026
*PETITION FOR A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, REGIONAL VOTING AND NATIONAL UNITY*
_Submitted under the Inquiries Act, Cap 311 of the Laws of Zambia_
To:
*His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema*
President of the Republic of Zambia
State House, Lusaka
From:
*Concerned Citizens of Zambia*
C/o Moses Kokela
Machain Machain
Date: 20th August 2026
Your Excellency,
*RE: REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY*
We, citizens who hold dear the peace, unity and future of our country, respectfully petition you to establish a Commission of Inquiry into matters affecting the integrity of our elections and the unity of our nation.
Zambia has enjoyed relative peace, but recent election cycles have revealed worrying trends of regional voting, violence, and division that threaten to undermine this peace. In the spirit of _One Zambia, One Nation_, we seek facts, truth, and a way forward.
We therefore propose that the Commission investigates and makes recommendations on the following:
*1. Regional Voting Patterns*
Establish the historical and current facts behind voting patterns that appear to divide the country along regional lines.
Is this caused by unequal public service delivery to certain regions, by political party campaign strategies, or by the targeting of voters on the basis of tribe or church? What impact does this have on the safety and inclusion of certain communities after elections?
*2. Tribal Relations and National Unity*
Establish the depth and origins of tribal animosity in our country.
What is the history of this hate? What are the possible ways of fostering genuine unity, so that citizens can live together effectively instead of practicing nepotism, tribal disrespect, and pretence towards one another?
*3. Election-Related Violence*
Establish the facts on violence before, during, and after elections.
What are the root causes? Is it failure by candidates to debate ideas, the use of toxic politics to "sell" ideas, or thuggish behavio