By Given Mutinta
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS MUNDUBILE A LUNATIC
President Hakainde Hichilema is in the Central province for his re-election campaign rallies, which took a negative turn when he referred to his political opponents, notably Brian Mundubile, the anticipated winner of the August polls, as a “lunatic.”
This choice of words is not only inappropriate but also unbecoming of a sitting president addressing a large and diverse crowd.
Here is what he said at a rally: Vote me to ensure no lunatic goes to state house
Such language is wrong regardless of the circumstances.
We all know that the word “Lunatic” derives from the word “lunaticus,” meaning “moonstruck” – describing people thought to be mentally ill, particularly those whose conditions were believed to be influenced by the phases of the moon.
This medical terminology is no longer used because it is heavily stigmatizing, associated with madness and irrationality.
Its use in political discourse reinforces negative stereotypes around mental health, a subject that demands sensitivity and respect.
As the highest political office, President Hichilema must embody dignity, respect, and unity.
Resorting to derogatory labels during campaigns not only undermines the decorum expected of the office but also deepens divisions in a society already fraught with political tension and discriminates against people with mental challenges.
President Hichilema’s choice to publicly Mundubile by invoking such a loaded term detracts from constructive political dialogue.
At a rally attended by many, words carry amplified weight.
Citizens listen not only to what is said but also to the tone and spirit behind those words.
By calling his opponent a “lunatic,” President Hichilema is alienating citizens who expect respectful discourse, potentially inflaming passions and sowing further discord.
President Hichilema owes it to the people of Zambia to elevate the political conversation rather than degrade it with inflammatory name-calling.
Therefore, President Hakainde Hichilema’s use of the term “lunatic” in his campaigning speech was a misstep inconsistent with the dignified conduct required of his office.
The baggage of the word, combined with its offensive connotations, make such language unsuitable for political leaders, especially in public forums.
President Hichilema appears to be under intense strain in his campaign, unable to focus on issues and policies and instead wading through personal insults or spouting tribalism.
Surely, we may disagree politically without reducing the discourse to the point of calling people “lunatics”.
President Hichilema must apologise to Mundubile for branding him a “lunatic”.