196 Views President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a swipe at opposition accusing his party of violence, saying the very people used to beat up fellow citizens for having different views with them. President Hichilema urged citizens not to vote for such people and parties into power. “The truth must be said in no uncertain […]

196 Views

President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a swipe at opposition accusing his party of violence, saying the very people used to beat up fellow citizens for having different views with them.

President Hichilema urged citizens not to vote for such people and parties into power.

“The truth must be said in no uncertain terms. The very people who used to beat citizens for holding divergent views and never saw anything wrong with that, can’t be here misleading you here in the Southern province. Don’t entertain them.

“We ask you all to go and vote for us so that the gains made this far, can be protected from those who plundered public resources.

“The nine provinces we have visited are all RED and ready to continue moving forward together with us and we call on you people of Southern Province to do the same.

“We have been working tirelessly to lower the cost of living and soon the results will start showing.

“Your vote for us matters. It is a vote for peace, security, freedoms and development,” he said.

His remarks follows allegations by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile who is on record saying the ruling party is practicing politics of violence.

The President who is addressing a rally in Chirundu is expected to touch on a number of issues including the economy, agriculture, infrastructure development, and government programmes aimed at lowering the cost of living.

He is also expected to outline the UPND administration’s plans for the next five years as campaigns gain momentum.

The Chirundu rally is the first stop on a four-district tour of Southern Province.

From Chirundu, President Hichilema is expected to proceed to Siavonga, then Chikankata, before concluding in Mazabuka later in the day.

All eyes, however, are on Mazabuka.

The visit comes at a time when former UPND legislator Garry Nkombo is contesting the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, after falling out with the party during candidate adoption.

The development has created tension in the district, which has traditionally been a UPND stronghold. Political observers say the President’s reception in Mazabuka and the tone of his address will be closely watched for signs of how the party intends to handle internal rifts while trying to retain the seat.

“His visit to Mazabuka is expected to draw much attention,” a senior party official traveling with the President said. “It remains to be seen how he is going to be received and what his main message would be regarding the candidate situation there.”

Security was tight around Boom Grounds in Chirundu, with police and party marshals managing the large crowd. Marketeers, youth groups, and women’s organisations were among those who turned up hours early to catch a glimpse of the President.

The Southern Province tour is part of a broader national campaign push by the UPND as the 13 August polls approach. The party is seeking to defend its seats in the province while making inroads in other regions.

Zambian Eye will be monitoring the President’s addresses in Siavonga, Chikankata and Mazabuka and will keep you updated.