Election Must Be Decided By The People – HH

UPND Alliance presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema this morning addressed media and the nation via radio and social media after his plans to campaign on the Copperbelt were once again blocked at the last minute. He was previously prevented from travelling to the province at the weekend and UPND VP and running mate Mutale Nalumango was also blocked as she tried to campaign in the area yesterday. 

In his address HH stated, “We want the election tomorrow to be decided by the Zambian people. Not those who count the votes.” 

He set out the challenges to a free and fair election including being prevented from travelling within the country and concerns regarding the voter registration process and resulting roll. He also labelled plans to use biometric machines in some areas only as discriminatory. 

However, he said that the priority now is for “the ECZ to conduct elections properly.” 

The UPND Alliance leader called for an open process from the time polling stations open at 0600 across the country tomorrow morning. 

HH said that rigging attempts will not work and that transition is coming. He made clear that he expected UPND members and supporters “to act in a way that ensures peaceful elections.” 

Addressing recent threats made by President Lungu to have him arrested following the polls HH commented, “This is not the environment to talk about arresting other people. This is the time to talk about what we will do for the people and how we will arrest poverty and rebuild the economy.” 

“The UPND Alliance will make sure people have decent meals, get children back in schools and create jobs,” he counselled. 

He called on the PF to allow the country to move on and provided reassurance that a UPND Alliance government will look after all Zambians and ensure everyone’s humans rights are respected. HH also said he remained open to talking with President Lungu and that he is still “our brother.” He noted that it is natural for presidencies to come to an end and that is the normal cycle of events. 

The opposition leader also addressed the presence of the military on the streets, noting that this is the first time it is happening ahead of elections. He expressed his hope and belief that the military would act responsibly to ensure peaceful elections and not favour a particular party. He called on men and women in uniform to support an environment in which citizens feel safe when they go out to cast their vote.  

“Do not fear your brothers and sisters in uniform. Go out and cast your vote tomorrow in numbers,” he counselled voters. 

HH said that the UPND Alliance is ready to deliver come Monday, “to re-unite this divided country, to rebuild this economy”.