“They worked with insiders trying to steal your vote,”- President-elect Hichilema tells youths

5 Views President-elect Hakainde Hichilema this afternoon engaged youths at Community House in Lusaka, where he reflected on the just-ended elections and outlined plans for young people after inauguration. Welcoming the youths to the premises, Hichilema said: “Welcome to Community House this your house. We bought this place 26 years ago and named it Community […]

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President-elect Hakainde Hichilema this afternoon engaged youths at Community House in Lusaka, where he reflected on the just-ended elections and outlined plans for young people after inauguration.

Welcoming the youths to the premises, Hichilema said: “Welcome to Community House this your house. We bought this place 26 years ago and named it Community House. Feel free.”

He recalled his own youth and the origins of the property, adding: “I was a youth like you, I didn’t even know I would end up in politics, but still I named it community House and it indeed turned out to be the people’s house.”

The President-elect then turned to issues arising from the election process. He alleged that some individuals attempted to release results before voting was completed.

“Some people working from inside started giving out G20 results forms when voting was still going on,” he said.

“Where did they got the forms from.”

Hichilema questioned how certain people were able to declare themselves winners while voting was ongoing.

“They went as far as announcing themselves as winners. How did they know.”

He commended the youths for their vigilance during the polls.

“But you knowledgeable youths, clever youths, fearless youths, you were alert and grabbed them by the tail,” he said.

Referring to the United Party for National Development’s performance, the President-elect said the opposition underestimated his party.

“UPND is mighty, they thought they can beat us easily. You dribble past us easily,” he said.

Hichilema had no kind words on those he accused of attempting to manipulate the outcome.

“They are very dull but they thought they were clever. You can not cheat your into the presidency when the people have not voted for you,” he added.

Hichilema assured the gathering of his commitment to the electorate.

“I will always protect the people,” he said.

In concluding his remarks, the President-elect made a commitment to young people.

“I have a plan for you after inauguration I will set up a special fund for youths,” he said.

The engagement at Community House comes as the country awaits the official inauguration of the President-elect.

During the meeting, Hichilema emphasized the role he said youths played in safeguarding the vote and signaled that youth empowerment would be a priority of the incoming administration.

He did not provide further details on the proposed youth fund during the interaction, but said young people needing capital to start projects will get it through the Fund.