Don’t vote opposition, independents; I may lose election with a vote, Hichilema tells Chingola electorate
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged voters in Chingola not to vote for opposition or independent candidates, warning that splitting the vote could cost the UPND victory by even a single vote.
Addressing supporters during a campaign rally, President Hichilema cautioned the electorate against returning to leaders they rejected in the 2021 general election.
“Don’t go back to your vomits,” he said.
The Head of State called on voters to back UPND candidates at every level, saying the party needed a united mandate from the council, mayoral, parliamentary and presidential positions.
“This year we’re voting suit. Councillor for the UPND, Mayor for the UPND, three MPs here are UPND, and President Hakainde Hichilema is UPND,” he said.
President Hichilema further appealed to voters not to support opposition or independent candidates, arguing that doing so would divide the vote.
“Do not vote for the opposition or independent. If you vote for the opposition or independent, you’ll divide the vote. And Bally can lose with only one vote,” he said.
He also encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, warning against complacency.
“I don’t want someone to say Bally has already won [the election so I won’t vote,]” he said.
President Hichilema urged supporters to wake up early on election day and encourage others to vote.
“On voting day, please wake up early in the morning. Don’t go alone, go with five other people. So, plus you that’s six votes for Bally. That’s what people who love each other do,” he said.
©TV Yatu | David Kashiki | July 8, 2026.