President Hakainde Hichilema has continued receiving congratulatory messages from both local and international leaders, organisations, and well-wishers, recognising his leadership and achievements.
The Kingdom of Eswatini joined a growing list of international leaders sending congratulatory messages to President Hichilema following his re-election as President of Zambia.
In a message issued on behalf of King Mswati III, the Queen Mother, the Government and the people of Eswatini, the Prime Minister of Eswatini conveyed heartfelt congratulations to President Hichilema and the people of Zambia.
“Upon the command of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Government and the People of Eswatini, I am honoured to convey unto the People of the Republic of Zambia and unto President Hakainde Hichilema, our heartfelt felicitations upon his re-election as President,” the message reads.
Locally, Senior Chief Muchinda Kankomba Welala III of the Lala-Swaka depaking people congratulated President Hichilema on securing a renewed national mandate and extended his congratulations to all newly-elected Members of Parliament, councillors and other elected representatives, regardless of political affiliation.
Senior Chief Muchinda said the end of elections should mark the beginning of a collective effort to serve the people and accelerate development across the country.
Meanwhile, National Association for Medium and Small Scale Contractors (NAMSSC) president Edgar Siakacoma also congratulated President Hichilema on his re-election.
Mr Siakacoma described President Hichilema’s victory as a clear demonstration of the confidence that Zambians have in his leadership and vision for economic transformation.
And in a related development, House of Chiefs Chairperson, Chief Bundabunda, said the institution had observed with concern that some organisations had expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the polls, issuing statements that risked dividing the nation.
Chief Bundabunda said in an interview that the voice of the people had been heard through the ballot and the results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should be respected.
“It is the voice of the people of Zambia that has prevailed and, therefore, the outcome of the results must be accepted by all well meaning Zambians regardless of their affiliations,” he said.
He said that Zambia’s strength lay in its ability to remain peaceful even after contested elections.
“We must uphold peace because we have done this in the past. Some people win, others lose, but Zambia has always managed to remain united. We should do the same this time around,” he said.
Chief Bundabunda reminded citizens that elections could never satisfy everyone, but urged those aggrieved not to incite the public.
He warned that careless statements by leaders of any field could endanger lives and undermine national stability.
“As leaders, the words we speak can either build or destroy. We must be conscious of our language because Zambia is the only country we have. Once set on fire, the 20 million lives will have no home to live in,” he said.
Chief Bundabunda called on all citizens to protect the peace that Zambia had enjoyed for decades, saying unity was the foundation of national development.
“Many people have lost elections in the past but they are now in power and set the country on fire. We must continue to discourage divisive rhetoric and blame harmony,” he said.
