Local opposition leaders are showering Zambia’s President elect- Mr. Hakainde Hichilema with congratulatory messages following his victory over the incumbent. Hichilema whitewashed Edgar Chagwa Lungu who was seeking a second term in office.
In their congratulatory messages, opposition leaders used the same breath to encourage Batswana to do the same in the 2024 general elections.
While quoting political events in Zambia and Malawi, Dithapelo Keorapetse, the Member of Parliament for Selibe-Phikwe West urged Batswana to learn from their counterparts. “This time Zambians didn’t play, they overwhelmingly defeated dictatorship, economic mismanagement, corruption and unethical conduct and voted for change and hope. I have personally prayed for this day in Zambia with hope that HH will make a great leader. If he disappoints the Zambian people, they will remove him, same way they did KK, Banda and Lungu. I hope Batswana can learn something from some of these African countries and vote for change in 2024. It’s much easier to vote out a corrupt and incompetent liar than a dictator.” Keorapetse charged.
For its part, the Alliance for Progressives (AP) challenges His Excellency the President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi introduce direct election of the President. The party wants President Masisi to deliver on his election promise of constitution review to allow for direct election of the president.
“We call on President Masisi to expedite political reforms here through the Constitutional review and amendment to allow for among others Direct Election of President in the 2024 Elections. We demand a truly Independent Electoral Body to steer away from the status quo of the IEC doing the bidding of those in power and being an organ of the ruling party. AP as part of the opposition collective, intends to demand that counting of ballots be carried out at the polling stations to improve the security of vote. The People of Zambia have shown the way, that amidst all the challenges they faced, they wielded power through their vote. And they have exercised that power. Batswana should take note of these and know as well that their vote can make a difference.” Dr. Phenyo Butale, the Secretary General of AP suggested.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Maun West, and also Leader of Opposition- Dumelang Saleshando reminded the president elect that the real work, more challenging, is about to begin. “President elect HH, congratulations to you and your party. Previous loses did not deter you but provided insightful lessons to prepare for victory. It’s been a difficult journey, but the most difficult part of the journey starts. The celebrations are well deserved but will be cut short by the urgency of having to put together a plan that rescues Zambia from the economic woes it faces.” Saleshando advised.
Hakainde Hichilema won the election with over a million votes gap against Edgar Chagwa Lungu to become the seventh president of the Republic of Zambia. Hichilema won after five (5) unsuccessful attempts before.
