President Hichilema addresses Zambians after being re-elected

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Zambian people to respect divergent views and safeguard the country’s democracy, saying differences in opinion should never degenerate into violence. President Hichilema says democracy thrives when citizens allow one another to…

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Zambian people to respect divergent views and safeguard the country’s democracy, saying differences in opinion should never degenerate into violence.

President Hichilema says democracy thrives when citizens allow one another to express different views peacefully.

He noted that there is no justification for people to turn and resort to ‘militias’, cause violence, turn to street fights, destroy public property or other forms of lawlessness whenever they disagree with others.

The President-elect was speaking in his re-election acceptance speech, broadcast live on ZNBC radio and television.

Today, Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis declared Mr Hichilema duly elected Head of State after he defeated 11 others in the August 13, general elections.

President Hichilema thanked the Zambian people who voted for him or not, including those in the ruling UPND candidates, opposition and independent candidates in the just ended general elections.

He urged citizens to protect public and private assets, saying such resources are critical to sustaining livelihoods and providing opportunities for future generations.

He said Zambia belongs to all citizens and there are no winners or losers in an election, but only one Zambia, one nation and one people with a common destiny.

The Head of State also called for peace, justice, law and order, stressing that lawlessness has no room in the country.

Mr Hichilema said Zambians should reject the use of violence and malicious activities as a means of seeking public office, describing such practices as alien to the country’s values.

He further urged elected leaders at all levels to serve the people with humility and put national interests ahead of personal interests.

He said those elected like him, members of parliament, mayors, council chairpersons and councillors should always remember that public office is a responsibility to serve citizens.

And Mr Hichilema also called on Zambians to embrace hard work and productivity, saying the country should not only be a nation of traders but also of producers.

He stressed that productivity should be promoted across all sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, education, health and the public service.

Mr Hichilema urged public service workers to take their responsibilities seriously and deliver services efficiently, warning against neglecting duties while using public resources.

He cited health workers as an example, saying medical personnel should treat patients with care and professionalism because they too may one day require medical services.

The President-elect assured that government will continue creating opportunities for citizens through investment, economic growth and skills development.

Mr Hichilema said the next five years will focus on economic growth through increased investment, job creation, business opportunities and increased government revenue.

He said economic growth will help government address the cost of living and improve the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

He cited free education, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and skills training programmes as some of the measures the government has implemented to reduce the cost of living and expand opportunities.

Mr Hichilema said CDF has also enabled communities to access bursaries and skills training, while creating opportunities for local people to participate in development projects.

He said the country’s development agenda should benefit every community and household, adding that development is a process and not an event.

He further said the new proportional representation system will create opportunities for more women, youths and persons with disabilities to participate in Parliament.

The President-elect thanked God for preserving the lives of Zambians and called on citizens to continue supporting one another, particularly during difficult times.

Mr Hichilema said Zambia should remain united and peaceful as it works towards achieving a better life for all.