I’m Not In Office to Seek Re-Election In 2026 But To Serve Now, says HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that he is not in office to seek re-election in 2026, but to serve the people of Zambia for as long as he in the role.

The President added the decision of re-election is one that ultimately rests with the people, and their own agendas.  

HH also ceded that in order to serve the Zambian people diligently, difficult decisions have to be made that will ultimately resuscitate the country’s economy which collapsed under the previous regime.

The President offered these comments as he swore in Chief Justice Mumba Malila, Judicial Service Complaints Commission Chairperson Vincent Malambo, Police Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Peter Machungwa, and Local Government Service Commission Chairperson Ackson Sejani. 

HH further said that the chief agenda of the new dawn administration is to transform the country’s economy, and that people will decide on their own whether he has done enough to merit re-election. 

A person who goes to State House with the goal of being elected to serve a second term is likely to be only interested in playing politics, rather than meeting the expectations of Zambians, added President Hichilema. 

Addressing Mr. Sejani, President Hichilema said if he has to offend certain people in order to deliver water to them and decent plumbing to institutions such as schools, then he is prepared to do it.

On the appointment and subsequent ratification of Dr. Mumba Malila as Chief Justice, President Hichilema said that this position comes with high expectations from citizens to bring change and deliver justice in a fair and speedy manner.

He added that the UPND Administration found a horrible situation upon coming into office, where there was a breakdown in the rule of law, and the police were not fit to ensure compliance with the law.

President Hichilema therefore tasked newly appointed Zambia Police Chairperson Peter Machungwa to address the many challenges faced by police officers. He said the government will lend its support, and has demonstrated its commitment to challenges such as rooting out corruption and stopping cadres confronting Police officers while on duty. 

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema disclosed that Covid-19 has hit State House, with some staff in the presidency being in isolation.

President Hichilema therefore took the opportunity to urge the media to help the ministry of health and the authorities send the message to the Zambian people to be cautious and diligent in the face of Covid-19

Crucial to this effort, which the President was able to reveal with delight, has been the relaunch of the national vaccination program which has seen a phenomenal increase in the number of people being vaccinated.