Leaders advised to take notes on Zambia’s democratic transitions

President Hakainde Hichilema urged leaders to take note of Zambia’s successful democratic transfers of power over the years as the second Summit for Democracy got underway.

According to Mr. Hichilema, there are lessons to be drawn from Zambia’s ability to move on after each of the country’s seven presidents.

According to the president, an atmosphere free from intimidation and violence is necessary for democracy to flourish.

“Let us create strong institutions for democracy. Even when it comes to change of government, good leadership should be an example. Zambia has had seven Presidents and every time there has been change, we have done it democratically and peacefully,” Mr Hichilema said.

The summit, according to him, is evidence that world leaders are committed to establishing a robust democracy.

This took place at the Summit for Democracy’s third plenary session, which included leaders from the Bahamas, France, Iceland, India, Mongolia, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Together with the United States of America (USA), Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea, Zambia is co-hosting the second Summit for Democracy.

He urged political leaders throughout the world to reflect on questions like “Do we need strong leaders or strong institutions for democracy to prosper or perhaps we need a combination of the two?”

Democracy, according to Mr. Hichilema, should depend on a number of factors, including equal access to the polls for all candidates and electorates as well as free and fair elections.