“It was a tough competition” says President-elect Hichilema

9 ViewsPresident-elect Hakainde Hichilema says the just ended election was not a walk in the park, as he addressed the nation for the first time after being re-elected into office. Hichilema framed who process as having been a tough competition, whose outcome is a collective win for every Zambian citizen. “There is no winner or […]

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President-elect Hakainde Hichilema says the just ended election was not a walk in the park, as he addressed the nation for the first time after being re-elected into office.

Hichilema framed who process as having been a tough competition, whose outcome is a collective win for every Zambian citizen.

“There is no winner or loser here; the victory is for Zambia,” he said, adding that “Zambia is the winner.”

He told citizens that those who made a different choice at the ballot are not enemies. “Those who did not make the decision that you made in the just ended elections, are not your enemies, they are your brothers and sisters and above all fellow citizens,” he said.

“It does not matter which candidate you voted for. You are all equal citizens.”

In the televised national address, Hichilema called for calm and unity after his re-election, telling supporters that the result belongs to the entire country and not to any single political camp.

Hichilema said there is no place for lawlessness and urged those celebrating to respect people and property and urged those who are celebrating not injure anyone or break people’s property.

The President-elect thanked both his supporters and his opponents for taking part. “To those who voted for us thank you, those who didn’t vote for us thank you for participating in the democratic process,” he said.

“Whether you voted for me or not, it does not matter. You exercised your right, and that is democracy.”

Looking ahead, Hichilema said the next five years would focus on growth, an improved economy and more jobs.

He said the renewed mandate reflected public trust earned despite the difficulties of the last term.

“Fellow citizens, remember where we are coming from five years ago and the challenges we faced, left by those who were in office,” he said, describing his re-election as a testament to that trust.

He said his government heard concerns during campaigns across all 116 districts and 226 constituencies, and pledged that development would be spread nationwide.

“We will ensure that our development reaches every neighbourhood, not just one,” he said. “Development is not an event, it’s a process.”

Hichilema appealed directly to public workers to raise standards. Speaking to medical personnel, he said: “Do not be on your phone while a patient is screaming in pain. Let’s take our jobs seriously.”

He also told all those seeking public office that national interest must come first, and urged citizens to work honestly and diligently.

“I have seen the hardships out there. I want to assure citizens that we are working with you. Work honestly and work hard,” he said.