Buyzed Campaign Founder salutes re-election of President Hichilema

BuyZed Campaign Founder, Evans Ngoma, has noted that the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema as Zambia’s President for the second term, entails his responsibility to further unite the country and deliver development as demonstrated in his previous term. Speaking during…

BuyZed Campaign Founder, Evans Ngoma, has noted that the re-election of President Hakainde Hichilema as Zambia’s President for the second term, entails his responsibility to further unite the country and deliver development as demonstrated in his previous term.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lundazi District in Eastern Province, Mr Ngoma who also congratulated President Hichilema, called for calm, responsible political conduct and, thorough, professional and impartial investigations into allegations of political violence, and any attempts to undermine Zambia’s democratic process and national security.

 Mr Ngoma stated that while serious allegations must not be swept under the carpet, investigations must be guided by evidence, due process and the constitutional principle that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Let the evidence speak and let the law take its course,” Mr Ngoma said.

He also urged all political leaders and their supporters to desist from using misinformation, disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric that could heighten political tensions and create hostility among Zambians.

And Mr Ngoma charged that being in opposition should never become a licence to deliberately mislead citizens, spread fear, promote hatred or create conditions capable of disturbing national peace.

He further commended National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) President Ezra Tembo for demonstrating statesmanship by accepting the election outcome announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), congratulating President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) on their victory.

He says such political maturity is important for Zambia, particularly following a highly competitive election.

Mr Ngoma welcomed Mr Tembo’s call for Zambia to move beyond electioneering and concentrate on economic and social development.

He said once elections are concluded, elected leaders must return to work and serve the people who gave them the mandate.

“Elections must have a beginning and an end. Members of parliament must return to their constituencies and represent the people. Mayors and council chairpersons must lead development in their respective councils, while councillors must serve their wards,” he added.

Mr Ngoma said Zambia needs a strong but responsible opposition that provides constructive checks and balances while supporting policies and programmes that advance the national interest.

He cited the Constituency Development Fund CDF) as an example of a development programme that should be supported when it benefits citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

He says Zambia’s peace is bigger than any political party or individual political ambition.

He therefore urged Zambians across the political divide to remember that political fortunes can change, with one party in government today and another tomorrow, but that the people remain neighbours, relatives, workmates and citizens of the same Republic.

Mr Ngoma further implored political leaders and citizens to put Zambia first, respect constitutional institutions, allow investigations to proceed without interference, and resolve political differences through lawful and democratic means.