Bally extends Olive Branch to Opposition.

President Hakainde Hichilema has extended an olive branch to Zambians who voted for opposition parties, calling for unity and an end to political humiliation following his swearing-in for a second term at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka today. Addressing thousands of Zambians gathered for the inauguration ceremony, President Hichilema said government respects citizens who chose other […]

President Hakainde Hichilema has extended an olive branch to Zambians who voted for opposition parties, calling for unity and an end to political humiliation following his swearing-in for a second term at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka today.

Addressing thousands of Zambians gathered for the inauguration ceremony, President Hichilema said government respects citizens who chose other candidates and political parties during the election, stressing that democracy does not require people to agree on everything.

“To those who chose other candidates and other parties, we have heard you and we respect your choice,” President Hichilema said.

He called on Zambians to avoid humiliating or discriminating against people because of their political choices, saying those who voted against the governing party remain brothers and sisters who belong to one nation.

President Hichilema said he would continue serving as a president for all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation, pledging to remain a servant leader to citizens across the country.

“I will continue to be the servant president for all the people of Zambia,” he said.

He further declared that the campaign period was now over and called on Zambians to shift their focus towards rebuilding and developing the country.

“Campaign is over. The job of building our country continues,” President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema said political differences should not divide Zambians, maintaining that citizens remain one people and one nation despite their different political choices.

He also said Zambia was moving from a period of economic stabilisation towards growth, stressing that economic stability must begin to translate into improved living conditions for ordinary households.

According to President Hichilema, government’s next focus is ensuring that economic gains are felt within households and that citizens benefit from a growing economy.

He further called for a mindset shift among Zambians, urging citizens to think beyond immediate consumption and focus on building a better future.

President Hichilema cautioned against what he described as a “handout” or “tantameni” mindset, encouraging citizens to think about tomorrow rather than concentrating only on what can be consumed today.

He said Zambia’s development would require a collective change in mindset, responsibility and commitment from citizens as government moves into its next phase of economic growth.