PRESIDENT-ELECT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA CALLS FOR UNITY, HARD WORK AND NATIONAL PROGRESS IN ACCEPTANCE SPEECH.
In a sweeping and conciliatory acceptance speech following his electoral victory, President-Elect Mr. Hakainde Hichilema thanked the nation for entrusting him with the mandate to lead, while calling for an end to division and a renewed focus on economic growth, discipline, and service delivery.
Addressing the nation, Mr. Hichilema began by expressing gratitude to the citizenry for preserving democracy and to the Electoral Commission for delivering a credible election. He stressed that the outcome must be respected as the will of the people.
“Whether you voted for us or not, you are equal citizens,” the President stated, making a firm commitment that there will be no discriminatory treatment against those who voted otherwise. He emphasized that his administration’s policies, including the delivery of free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will keep reaching all parts of the country without segregation as have been.
Highlighting early indicators of policy impact, Mr. Hichilema noted that 2.6 million children have already returned to school. He further explained that the government has implemented debt restructuring for the country to serve citizens better, framing the election result as a serious show of confidence in his team and their economic agenda.
“We will continue growing the economy and expanding investment,” he pledged, while issuing a caution to aspiring politicians. “Individuals vying for public office should always have the national interest come first.”
In a message of inclusion, the President Hichilema acknowledged that he had heard the concerns raised across all 116 districts of the country. He urged Zambians to celebrate the decision of the people responsibly, emphasizing mutual respect
“Don’t provoke each other; we must celebrate responsibly,” he said. “We must uphold law and order and not allow the country to degenerate into a fight. Your freedom ends where others begin.”
Mr. Hichilema warned that lawlessness has no blessings from the presidency, assuring the public that the peace and stability of the government will protect all citizens. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the constitution and allowing democracy to flourish, stating definitively: “There can be no development without peace.”
Shifting his focus to the economy and the civil service, the President called on citizens to choose hard work over laziness. He addressed teachers, nurses, and all public sector workers directly, challenging them to redefine public service.
“Let us earn our right to work for the people. Work is not about 8 hours of work, but the value of the work done,” he stated, urging workers to protect national resources.
Concluding his address, Mr. Hichilema accepted the responsibility of the office with gratitude and humility. “You have once again entrusted us with the highest responsibility of the country. We receive that trust with gratitude. We will work every day to earn your confidence.”
He ended with a call for divine guidance and national unity: “There is only one Zambia, one nation, one people. May God grant us wisdom at different levels. May all elected leaders at all levels have the humility to serve the people of Zambia and seek God to give them wisdom and teamwork to deliver development for the people.”
MPA