HAABAZOKA URGES ZAMBIANS TO MOVE ON AFTER ELECTIONS
Economist Lubinda Haabazoka has urged Zambians to move on from the 2026 general elections and rally behind the country’s leadership, regardless of which political party they supported.
Dr Haabazoka said the elections had offered citizens an opportunity to choose between continuity and change, with the ruling party being assessed on its performance from 2021 to 2026, while the opposition presented alternative policies.
He said citizens who supported losing parties should not allow the outcome to frustrate them or make them feel excluded from national opportunities.
“This is your country,” Dr Haabazoka said, urging citizens to recognise that they retained equal rights to access jobs, contracts and public services.
He further encouraged citizens to support the existing leadership and contribute to national development, saying political power changed hands through elections and that citizens should remain engaged in the country’s affairs.
“It is one leader at a time!” he said.
Addressing opposition politicians, Dr Haabazoka acknowledged that losing elections could be painful but advised them to take time to reflect before returning to provide effective checks and balances
“Take a break. Go on vacation, reflect and then return to provide effective checks and balances,” he said.
He also cautioned politicians who entered the electoral contest primarily to improve their economic fortunes, saying they should reorganise and pursue sustainable livelihoods after leaving political office.
“The wilderness can indeed be rough,” Dr Haabazoka said.
To the election winners, he urged them to focus on delivering development and serving all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Now deliver for the people. You heard their cries. Embrace everyone,” he said.
Dr Haabazoka also appealed to Zambians in the diaspora to avoid actions that could unnecessarily alarm citizens at home.
“We are the ones who will bear the consequences of your actions,” he said, while urging anyone who committed wrongdoing during the elections to seek forgiveness and move forward.
“You cannot fight the government indefinitely,” Dr Haabazoka said.