By Isaac Zulu
Don’t worry, you will be okay, President-elect Hakainde Hichilema has assured outgoing President Edgar Lungu.
And President-elect Hichilema has stated that the UPND’s victory is a victory for all Zambian.
Hichilema also said that the UPND will respect all the Zambians citizens regardless of their tribe and political affiliation.
Speaking when he addressed the nation on Monday afternoon, President-elect Hichilema thanked President Lungu for conceding and promising a smooth transfer of power.
“Don’t worry, you will be okay sir,” he said.
Hichilema said when their time to leave comes they will graciously concede, but those who wish to come into office will have to work hard as the UPND will raise the standard of the presidential office.
He urged his members to be civil in their celebrations, but that they will have to find a new way of treating “the violent ones”, rather than engaging in violence.
“There will be no bus stop that you fear to go to, you can wear your PF T-shirt of UPND t-shirt…come out of the street if your interest is to damage somebody,” said President-elect Hichilema, adding that love conquers hate.
Hichilema assured the Zambian people that the UPND will offer servantship leadership to them.
“I wish to assure you that the UPND and myself will be servants of the people across the country, regardless of their tribes and political affiliations. To those that voted for other political parties, we extend our heart of friendship to you all. We respect your democratic right and decision,” said Hichilema. “Tribalism will not be entertained, and this is in tandem with the UPND values.”
He said that the UPND leadership will not unleash vegeance on political opponents that victimised him and his party officials.
“We have been victims of violence and demonisation. I have been detained 15 times before. But I don’t want you to revenge. Now is the time to forgive those that persecuted and prosecuted us. Be like me, l should be your example. Let’s forgive all those that victimised us,” said Hichilema.
He further called for unity among Zambians in the aftermath of the general election.
“The Zambian people have given us a resounding victory so that we can govern them. This victory is not for the UPND, but for all Zambians, especially the youths. We saw long queues in order for you to vote for change… and you voted for change. I thank you all. Voters have decided who should govern them,” explained President-elect Hichilema.
