Zambian elections have taken a troubling turn recently due to reports of violence, prompting the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to intervene and temporarily halt the vote counting process. The process has since been restarted. Opposition leader Brian Mundubile's premature announcement of victory has only added to the chaos. This move comes across as more of a strategic ploy than a display of confidence in his coalition's chances, seemingly setting the stage for a post-election struggle against the final results. While the final counts are still pending and the outcome remains uncertain, it’s worth noting that Mundubile’s coalition notably failed to field candidates in over 70 of the 226 legislative constituencies. This presents a significant gap that Hichilema's UPND could easily capitalise on, leading to some victories without serious contest. For the opposition to claim entitlement to victory in light of such missteps is quite remarkable. The regional power outages affecting Mundubile's NRPUP, particularly in the Southern, Western, and North Western Provinces, provide Hichilema with a chance to recoup significant ground. Although the incumbent has faced shocking loses in some areas, he still has ample opportunity to navigate through and secure a win, partly aided by the opposition's own miscalculations. Regrettably, when such self-sabotage occurs, the opposition often cries foul, alleging rigging while neglecting their own administrative failures. It’s crucial for opposition parties to recognize that having a solid organizational structure enhances their chances of winning rather than relying solely on public disillusionment with the current government. Regularly contesting the validity of elections can be detrimental to national unity and can foster voter apathy over time. If the electorate comes to believe that elections are consistently rigged, it naturally leads to disinterest in the voting process. The opposition then faces the daunting dilemma of not only convincing a now cynical public that elections hold significance but also managing the contradiction of suggesting that rigging will occur if they lose. Despite some prevailing issues, I believe Hichilema is still the best option for Zambia. He has taken significant steps to revive the economy, achieving notable successes such as implementing free education for primary and secondary students and increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Thanks to these efforts, over 2.5 million children who once dropped out due to financial constraints are now back in school, supported by the hiring of approximately 42,000 new teachers. When Hichilema assumed office in August 2021, Zambia was grappling with severe challenges: a massive debt burden, soaring inflation, frequent power outages, and a discouraged populace. Five years later, the landscape has transformed significantly. Through a careful combination of fiscal discipline, strategic investments, and comprehensive institutional reforms, Zambia has navigated a remarkable journey from economic hardship to renewed stability and growth. Since 2022, the HH Government has successfully attracted over $12 billion in new foreign investment, mainly in the mining sector. One of the standout achievements has been the resurgence of previously inactive mining assets, like the Kalengwa Mine in North-Western Province. While the positive effects of these changes may not yet be felt by everyone in society, the progress made is undeniably significant. That provides a compelling base for a second term and renewed national development. The ongoing electoral skirmishes in Zambia and their capacity to disturb everything HH has build during the first term also provide a new justification for the commendable initiative taken by Zimbabwe to implement CAA3. The country gets breathing room to focus more on development than the drama and suffocating expenses that come with elections. While important elections can be a dangerous protocol if conducted for their own sake. Instead, they should be understood as a mechanism for development. Where they become an impediment for the same, then the rationale for their incessant conduct diminishes.

It gives me immense joy to witness your manufacturing journey in Bihar, a state with tremendous potential in the textile sector. To you, Sameer ji, and to every entrepreneur considering Bihar: come and build here. My team at the Industries Department and I will walk with you every step of the way. Together, we will build a stronger Bihar and a stronger India. 🇮🇳

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU AT THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE ACCORD AHEAD OF THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 IN ABUJA   (The President was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume)   It is my pleasure to be here today to take part in this significant event, which precedes the start of the political campaign ahead of the January and February 2027 general elections. I thank members of the National Peace Committee (NPC), especially our former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for convening this important occasion.   Our nation owes the NPC a debt of gratitude for your steadfastness since 2014 in promoting peace accords that commit political parties and candidates to run non-violent, issue-based campaigns during national and off-cycle state elections.   Since 1999, when our country returned to democratic governance under the stewardship of General Abubakar and his team, every election period has brought its share of anxiety because of the nature of our politics and the intense competition for power by political actors.   While politics and the contest for power can be loud and often create tension and disagreement among politicians, we must acknowledge the progress we have made in our electoral process in terms of transparency and election management by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).   With the aid of technology, INEC has recorded remarkable improvement in every election cycle.  The introduction of the permanent voters card and BVAS, an electronic card reader, has eliminated voting manipulation, ballot stuffing, and snatching at polling units.   These improvements have restored power to the voters, who are now sure that their vote will count.  Politicians are now more accountable to the people because votes count. These polls have also demonstrated our capacity as a people to conduct ourselves with maturity and restraint.   Between October 2025 and August 15, 2026, we witnessed three off-season polls in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States. Different parties won them, and local and foreign observers described them as free, credible, and transparent. When the process and outcome are manifestly transparent, we see less post-election litigation in our courts.   We have gathered today to commit ourselves to a peaceful and transparent electoral process. Signing this peace accord is a solemn pledge to the Nigerian people that we, as leaders, will put the nation’s interest above personal or partisan ambitions.   I call on all Nigerians, civil society organisations, our foreign partners, and the media to join us in deepening and building a stronger, more vibrant democratic society.   Democracy is not just about periodic elections that get politicians into government positions. Democracy is about how citizens participate in the affairs of their nation, build trust in public institutions, engage civically, and work together for good governance and a more just and equitable society.   In the spirit of the accord we have just signed, we must conduct ourselves in ways that strengthen—not tear—the fabric of our society. It is natural during campaigns to disagree as opponents and advocate competing governing visions for our country. We may exchange occasional political jabs. But as members of the same household, the same national family, we must never resort to divisive or primordial sentiments of ethnicity or religion as tools for seeking power.   Let us campaign on superior ideas. Let us debate issues and promote the best policies to expand opportunities for our people and accelerate Nigeria’s journey from a developing nation to a first-world country.

I used to justify this stuff as “growing Bun as a startup.” Bun isn’t a startup anymore I’m just having fun https://t.co/ARVKO9Yp6v