By Mwansa Kaumba
President Hakainde Hichilema says the 2026 general election was tough, adding that that is what competition is all about.
And President Hichilema urged those who were celebrating his victory to respect the other citizens who were not celebrating, and those who are not celebrating must not provoke the celebrators.
In his re-election speech today, President Hichilema said he was humbled by the decision of Zambians to re-elect him.
”Competition was tough. But that’s what democracy is all about. But here we are. And we receive your trust as we said earlier with humility. We will never abuse your trust. Every day, every opportunity I have I remind my wife that Zambians elected HH to be the chief servant,” he said.
President Hichilema thanked those who voted for him for their confidence and those who did not vote for him for their participation in the democratic process.
He said he would work everyday to earn their confidence, even those who did not vote for him, saying his job was to continue working for them so that next time they could vote for the UPND.
President Hichilema said whether people voted for him or not it does not matter as all were equal citizens.
He said in overwhelming promises he made he had managed to walked the talk, including the debt restructuring, CDF and free education.
President Hichilema said those who seek public office must always remember that public interest comes first over personal interest.
He said when people did that they would realise that it was easy to make decisions.
”National interest first I repeat, personal interest must be subjected to national interest,” President Hichilema said, adding that once people did so their personal interests would also be addressed.
President Hichilema promised to focus on growth in the next five years to deliver on what he had promised.
He said he heard people’s concerns during the campaigns.
”Let us be in a position where we respect other citizens as we celebrate each other. Why provoke a fellow citizens because you are a winner?” Hichilema asked.
He said those who supported losing candidates should not provoke those who may be celebrating peacefully, saying there was no winner or loser in the elections.
He said public office was not a competition to beat each other down but a competition to serve through an electoral process.
”So we must celebrate with responsibility. If we choose to be quiet be quiet and not provoke those who are celebrating. Those who are celebrating don’t damage somebody’s property, that’s not the spirit. Let us be responsible at all times,” he said.
And President Hichilema said no one could use a “militia” to seek government as then they would be looking for personal gain.He urged for the protection of law and order.
”We should not allow our country to degenerate into a bands of armed militias, at that point that’s crossing the line because once you start doing those things you are injuring others,” President Hichilema said. “To bring a culture of guns in our country, militia type behaviour what we see in other regions is alien to us.”
He urged Zambians to choose hard work over laziness and be able to take opportunities that came their way.
”Let’s be a country of producers so we can provide food for our families,” said President Hichilema.
