Hichilema targets five million votes as thousands rally in Kalomo President Hakainde Hichilema has urged UPND supporters to turn out in large numbers in the August 13 general election as he seeks more than five million votes, during a community engagement that drew thousands of people in Kalomo. KALOMO, 28 July – KALOMO once again […]

Hichilema targets five million votes as thousands rally in Kalomo

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged UPND supporters to turn out in large numbers in the August 13 general election as he seeks more than five million votes, during a community engagement that drew thousands of people in Kalomo.

KALOMO, 28 July – KALOMO once again underlined its status as one of the UPND’s strongest political bases as thousands of supporters gathered to hear President Hichilema outline his government’s record and priorities ahead of the election.

Residents, including young people, women and the elderly, began arriving hours before the President, with supporters singing, dancing and waving UPND regalia.

Musicians Roberto, JK, Wile, Mozegeta and Aqualaskin entertained the crowd ahead of Mr Hichilema’s arrival shortly after midday.

Motorists travelling along the Lusaka-Livingstone Road also sounded their horns as they passed the gathering.

The President was greeted with loud cheers and chants of “Daddy Chololo” as he arrived at the venue

Kalomo is home to Dundumwezi constituency, which has historically been one of Mr Hichilema’s strongest electoral bases.

The constituency attracted national attention after Mr Hichilema polled 30,810 votes there against 252 for the then Patriotic Front presidential candidate, one of the widest margins recorded in that election

Addressing supporters, Mr Hichilema called for a large voter turnout and said the UPND was targeting more than five million votes in the August 13 election.

He also highlighted his administration’s employment record, saying more than one million jobs had been created across various sectors since the UPND took office.

The President said the government would continue recruiting workers and urged qualified professionals who had not yet secured employment to remain hopeful.

“Whether you are in agriculture, fisheries or veterinary services, do not grow weary and frustrated because you have not yet been employed. Your time is coming,” he said.

Mr Hichilema also announced plans to recruit volunteer health workers as part of efforts to increase employment and strengthen healthcare services.

On infrastructure, he directed local authorities to prioritise the rehabilitation of feeder roads, saying the government had already made resources available for the works.

The President also defended the Food Reserve Agency’s maize floor price of K347 for a 50-kilogramme bag, saying the price was intended to strike a balance between providing farmers with a reasonable return and keeping mealie meal affordable for consumers.

“We are balancing so that farmers make money and those who buy mealie meal can also buy it at an affordable price. Farmers will make a profit. I am a farmer and we know what we are doing,” Mr Hichilema said.

The gathering formed part of the President’s campaign to consolidate support ahead of the August 13 general election, with Kalomo expected to remain an important electoral stronghold for the UPND.

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