By Ajong Mbapndah L
Former United States Ambassador to Zambia Michael C. Gonzales has issued a forceful election-eve message to Zambians, urging citizens to turn out in large numbers, protect their votes and use Thursday’s general elections to demand accountable and transparent leadership.
In a statement issued ahead of the August 13, 2026 elections, Gonzales invoked Zambia’s 2021 democratic transition, when voters peacefully changed the country’s leadership through the ballot box, and challenged citizens to demonstrate the same commitment to democracy as they choose their leaders for the next five years.
“Five years ago you, the people of Zambia, showed the world what democracy and voting truly means,” Gonzales said. “You stood in long lines, you waited patiently, and you peacefully removed the former party in office through the ballot.”
Gonzales served as U.S. Ambassador to Zambia from 2022 and was also Washington’s Special Representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. His tenure ended earlier this year following an unusually public dispute with the Zambian government over corruption, healthcare assistance and the direction of relations between Lusaka and Washington.
‘Your Vote Can Change the Destiny of a Nation’
In his latest intervention, Gonzales portrayed Zambia’s previous peaceful transfer of power as an example whose significance extended beyond the country’s borders.
He argued that Zambia’s democratic experience helped inspire citizens elsewhere in Africa to believe that entrenched governments could be changed peacefully through elections, specifically pointing to political transitions in Botswana and Malawi.
“That moment proved that the power of the people is real, and that your vote can change the destiny of a nation,” Gonzales said.
The former ambassador called on voters to remember that experience when they enter polling stations Thursday, describing Zambia as a country possessing enormous natural and human resources but requiring stronger leadership to translate those advantages into prosperity.
“Zambia has the potential to succeed and become self-sustainable,” he said. “You are blessed with land, minerals, water, young people, and a spirit of unity that no country can take from you.”
Gonzales, however, delivered a sharp assessment of the country’s current governance, arguing that what Zambia lacks is “credible and transparent leadership” that respects the law, protects human rights, upholds the Constitution and delivers services to citizens.
His comments represent his own assessment of Zambia’s government and political environment and come against the backdrop of a contentious relationship with authorities during the closing months of his diplomatic posting.
Gonzales Renews Governance Criticism
The statement echoes themes Gonzales raised during his April 30 farewell address in Lusaka, when he delivered a stinging critique of corruption and weaknesses in Zambia’s governance and health systems.
Those remarks triggered a strong response from the Zambian government. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe described Gonzales’ assertions as “deeply regrettable” and “undiplomatic,” accused him of interfering in Zambia’s internal affairs and maintained that the government remained committed to strengthening governance and combating corruption.
The government also stressed Zambia’s sovereignty and argued that relations with international partners must be based on mutual respect and non-interference.
Against that backdrop, Gonzales’ latest statement is likely to generate further debate because it comes on the eve of voting and directly calls on citizens to use the ballot to demand different standards from their political leaders.
“This is your moment to change the direction of your country,” Gonzales said. “Vote for a future where your children can go to school, find work, access health care, and live in peace and dignity.”
He urged voters to demand leaders who remain accountable throughout their mandates rather than only during election campaigns.
‘Do Not Fear’
Gonzales also sought to reassure voters about the secrecy and power of their ballots, urging them not to allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from participating.
“Do not fear. Your vote is secret, your voice is powerful, and your choice matters,” he said.
He emphasized international expectations for a peaceful and transparent electoral process, declaring that “the world is watching Zambia” as citizens head to the polls.
The former envoy called on voters to participate and “protect your vote,” framing Thursday’s exercise as the principal opportunity citizens have to hold politicians accountable for the next five years.
“Vote like your life depends on it, because truly it does,” Gonzales said, adding that elections provide citizens with the opportunity to “hire and fire” political leaders.
His intervention adds another international voice to calls for a credible electoral process as Zambia approaches a consequential vote.
Corruption and Healthcare Back in Spotlight
Gonzales devoted part of his statement to corruption and alleged illicit financial flows, arguing that money lost through financial leakages could instead have funded schools, hospitals, roads and employment opportunities.
He claimed Zambia had lost more than $10 billion through illicit financial transactions during the past five years, attributing the figure to the Financial Intelligence Centre and other international anti-fraud monitoring systems.
That specific $10 billion figure should be treated as a claim made by Gonzales in the statement. His previous public assertions over the scale of illicit financial flows have been contested by some Zambian political actors, including opposition party NAREP, which challenged an earlier figure cited by the ambassador and questioned the evidence supporting it.
Healthcare also featured prominently in Gonzales’ message. He argued that better accountability over public resources could improve the availability of medicines and other essential services.
The subject has been a major source of tension in U.S.-Zambia relations. During his tenure, Gonzales repeatedly raised concerns about the alleged theft and diversion of medicines and questioned whether American assistance was being matched by sufficient accountability within Zambia. His April farewell remarks similarly argued that decades of U.S. health assistance had not produced sufficiently sustainable domestic systems.
The Zambian government has disputed aspects of Gonzales’ broader characterization of its governance record and insisted that it remains committed to fighting corruption and pursuing development according to national priorities.
A Final Appeal to Zambian Voters
Despite the sharp political undertones of his statement, Gonzales concluded by emphasizing peaceful participation and the responsibility of citizens to determine Zambia’s future through democratic means.
For Zambia, which has experienced multiple peaceful transfers of presidential power since the return of multiparty politics, Thursday’s election will once again place the resilience of its democratic institutions under regional and international scrutiny.
Gonzales’ message leaves little doubt about the significance he attaches to the vote.
“God bless you the people of Zambia,” the former Ambassador said. “The world is watching. Go out and vote.”
Thanks for the support. You have been with us for a good period of time and I’m sure you know what you are talking about. Thanks once again, we will do just that. God bless you, God bless Zambia.