Hichilema thanks Zambia after election victory

Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema has thanked Zambians for renewing his mandate, saying the election has demonstrated that the country remains a nation of peace, law, order and democracy.

Zambia voted on 13 August.

Hichilema, who secured 2 965 326 votes against Brian Mundubile’s 1 856 218, says the country must now turn its attention to development.

“Now we must work harder than ever before to deliver meaningful development for every single Zambian, in every corner of our country,” he said on his social page on Tuesday.

He said his administration had travelled to all 116 districts during the campaign, witnessing first-hand the challenges faced by citizens.

Hichilema acknowledged those who voted for opposition parties, saying his government would continue working to ensure every Zambian benefits from development.

“To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you,” he said.

Meanwhile, United Party for National Development (UPND) media director Mark Simuuwe says the election victory marks a significant milestone in the party’s political journey.

The party says Hichilema’s victory follows years of perseverance after unsuccessful presidential bids in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2016, before he won in 2021.

The UPND says it had also achieved its highest-ever parliamentary representation.

The party says its priorities now include job creation, particularly for young people and women, improving livelihoods and strengthening national unity.

“The election is over. Now it is time to work and finish the job,” says Simuuwe.