Hichilema extends unity hand to rivals after inauguration

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has extended a hand of unity to his election rivals, saying political competition must never override peace and the sanctity of life. Speaking after being sworn in as Republican President at Heroes Stadium, Hichilema commended all candidates who contested the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections. "It takes courage to offer oneself

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has extended a hand of unity to his election rivals, saying political competition must never override peace and the sanctity of life.

Speaking after being sworn in as Republican President at Heroes Stadium, Hichilema commended all candidates who contested the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.

“It takes courage to offer oneself for public service and submit one’s ideas to the judgment of the Zambian people,” he said.

Hichilema said while political differences are part of democracy, the pursuit of power must never come at the expense of national peace and stability.

“Never tamper with life. As we begin this new chapter, we must reflect soberly on the importance of peace and national unity,” he said.

Addressing his competitors directly, the President said they remain an important part of Zambia’s democracy.

“To our political competitors and their supporters, we say: you remain an important part of our democracy, and we respect your choices.

Where we disagree, we do so as political competitors, not as enemies. Elections and contests of ideas must never become permanent divisions among our people. The elections now behind us, the country before us belongs to us all. The campaign is over, but the work of building Zambia continues,” he said.

He pledged that his administration would work with those who opposed it.

“Where you have good ideas, we will listen. Where you offer constructive criticism, we will hear you. Where the national interest calls upon us to work together, we shall do so without hesitation,” Hichilema said.

He said the gesture was not one of political convenience, but of conviction that “the Republic belongs equally to every Zambian.”

(Picture by ZANIS)

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