Let the people’s will prevail – HH

…appeals for peaceful campaigns, says Zambia’s democracy belongs to the people as he urges political players to put its interests ahead of personal ambition, asks citizens to chose the ballot over the fist, the future over the fear

By BARNABAS ZULU

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has penned an epistle to Zambians appealing to them to vote for him to preserve peace and safeguard national unity, advising that the country’s future should be determined by the will of the people.

In his letter on Unity Day to Zambians, President Hichilema urged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of “One Zambia, One Nation” and avoid actions that could divide the country during the election period.

“I am writing to you this Unity Day, 7th July, as your President and as a fellow Zambian. This is a day that speaks to the heart of who we are. One Zambia, One Nation.

It is not just our motto. It is the choice this country makes, again and again, to stand together as one people across every tribe, every province, and every church,” President Hichilema wrote.

He admitted that the country’s journey over the past few years had not been easy but said unity had enabled Zambia to overcome challenges and continue moving forward.

“The road has not been easy. No honest account of these past years would pretend otherwise. But through every hardship, it is unity that has kept us moving forward,” he said.

Mr Hichilema highlighted what he described as key achievements under his administration, including the removal of political cadres from markets and bus stations, strengthening of democratic institutions and efforts to broaden representation in Parliament.

“The cadres are gone from our markets and our bus stations, and those spaces belong once more to the traders and the operators who run them, free to earn a living without fear or intimidation,” he said.

He also said Zambia’s improved international standing, economic reforms and debt restructuring efforts had begun yielding positive results.

“The difficult decisions we took, on our debt, on our credibility, on the hard work of rebuilding trust, are beginning to hold. Investors who once wrote us off are returning.

The Kwacha has steadied. Jobs are returning, and our businesses, from the mines to the tourist lodges, can plan for the future again,” President Hichilema said.

With the country set to hold general elections on August 13, President Hichilema appealed for peaceful campaigns and urged all political players to put the country’s interests ahead of personal ambition.

“In 2021, we chose peace. We chose the ballot over the fist, the future over the fear. This year, let us choose peace again. Together, let us make sure this is the most peaceful election Zambia has ever known,” he said.

President Hichilema challenged aspiring leaders to conduct issue-based campaigns and respect the democratic process.

“Bring your vision, argue for it honestly, and let the people decide,” he said.

Ends.