31 October 2008
editorial
Overall, Zambians in every corner of the country yesterday voted peacefully.
The presidential elections were characterised by calm, and by the close of the polls, there were no major incidences linked to the voting process reported.
This is as it should be. An election is a peaceful democratic process and not a physical or abusive confrontation.
There is no room whatsoever for violence and confrontation when divergent views arise in a democracy, as they should indeed do, because this is the central characteristic of pluralism.
Zambians are maturing by each election in the ways and norms of democracy and the conduct by voters in yesterday's election shows that the country is on the right path.
It is by this process that Zambia, too, would gradually attain the lofty achievements in democratic processes as achieved by the older democracies in Europe and the Americas.
Africa is replete with failed or aborted democratic processes which have led to mayhem in the affected countries. This should not be Zambia's story.
Instead, Zambia should be a beacon of a strong and effective democratic culture which others should emulate.
After all, Zambians come from a common cultural norm, which espouses dialogue and consensus, above everything else, as a practical and preferred means of resolving differences.
It would not do for a few misguided hotheads to want to demand and insist on their way of doing things.
Such elements need to be quickly exposed and isolated so that they do not influence negative trends among the people.
Today, the official announcement of results by the Electoral Commission of Zambia from the various constituencies will start.
These will be the official and bonafide results which every voter should rely on.
Again, as demonstrated in yesterday's poll, Zambians are expected to receive and accept the results calmly.
It is pertinent for Zambians to realise that in conducting the presidential poll to choose a new Republican head of State, the country's democracy is in the spotlight.
Africa and the rest of the world are watching to see how Zambians will conduct themselves in such an important national undertaking.
This is because the whole process is for the benefit of the people of Zambia, now and in the future.
The focus now should be on the future and the various important tasks that all the Zambians have to undertake for the good of their country, after such an election.
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