Sumaili backs Veep’s remarks on peaceful transfer of power

…as the former Religious Affairs minister says Zambia’s democratic tradition of peaceful transfer of power will continue after August 13 polls.

By NATION REPORTER

FORMER Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Reverend Godfridah Sumaili has backed Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s assertion that President Hakainde Hichilema would concede defeat if he lost the August 13 general election, saying the country’s long-standing democratic tradition would ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

Rev Sumaili said Zambia had over the years built a reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful democracies and that there was no reason the country should depart from that tradition after next month’s general election.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Rev Sumaili was confident that Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu would emerge victorious in the polls.

“Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu are best suited to govern this country. I wish to commend my sister, the Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, for saying President Hakainde Hichilema will concede defeat if he loses the election,” Rev Sumaili said.

“Yes, it is true that Mr Hichilema is losing power come August 13 and as a democratic country, Zambia will once again demonstrate political maturity through a peaceful transition,” she said.

She said peaceful transfer of power had become part of the country’s democratic heritage and should continue to define its politics regardless of which party wins elections.

Rev Sumaili said Ms Nalumango’s remarks should be interpreted as an acknowledgement of Zambia’s democratic values rather than political weakness.

“Ba Nalumango is in order to state that President Hakainde Hichilema is ready to relinquish power should the people decide otherwise because that has been our tradition as a nation,” she said.

Rev Sumaili described Mr Mundubile and Mr Zulu as leaders capable of restoring hope among citizens grappling with economic challenges.

“Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu are God’s gift to Zambia at a time when millions of citizens are crying because of economic hardships and the high cost of living,” Rev Sumaili said.

Rev Sumaili said the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance’s lamp symbol represented hope and renewal for the country.

“God has visited Zambia again and that is why our symbol is the lamp. Light has come to shine where there has been darkness and despair,” she said.

Rev Sumaili said Zambia needed “fresh blood” and a new direction in governance.

“We need change and we need fresh blood to take the country forward. The people of Zambia will make that decision freely and peacefully,” she said.

Ends.