SENIOR CHIEF MUCHINDA CALLS FOR NATIONAL UNITY, RECONCILIATION AND DEVELOPMENT AFTER THE ELECTIONS
Senior Chief Muchinda Kankomba Welala III of the Lala-Swaka people has called on Zambians to embrace unity, reconciliation and renewed commitment to national development following the conclusion of the elections.
The Traditional Leader congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on receiving a renewed national mandate and extended his congratulations to all Members of Parliament, councillors and other elected representatives, regardless of political affiliation.
Senior Chief Muchinda said elections should be followed by a collective commitment to serve the people and advance development.
“Elections bring different opinions and political choices, but once the people have spoken through the ballot, we must remember that we remain one people and one Zambia. There must be no winners and losers when it comes to national development,” he said.
He urged those entrusted with public office to serve all citizens fairly, including those who may have voted differently, and to ensure that development reaches rural and underserved communities.
Senior Chief Muchinda acknowledged progress in areas such as free education and infrastructure development and called for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to be utilised transparently, prudently and equitably, with priority given to projects that directly improve people’s lives, including schools, health facilities, roads, water and sanitation, skills development and support for local economic activities.
He further encouraged greater consultation with traditional leaders and local communities in identifying development priorities so that CDF and other public resources respond to the actual needs of the people.
“Political seasons come and go, but our nation remains. Our responsibility now is to reconcile, work together and ensure that public resources translate into meaningful development for our communities,” he said.
Senior Chief Muchinda reaffirmed that traditional leaders must remain above partisan politics, provide leadership to all their people and work constructively with the Government of the day and other stakeholders in advancing development.
He urged the newly elected leadership to serve with humility, accountability and inclusiveness, while calling on all Zambians to put the national interest first.
“This is a time for reconciliation, unity and work. Let us put Zambia first and ensure that the benefits of development reach every community. One Zambia, One Nation,” he said.