President Hakainde Hichilema has assured the United Nations (UN), that the August elections will be free and fair, emphasising that this is the only right approach for a peaceful environment.
Mr Hichilema has stated that elections should not be outcomes of negativity, emphasising the need for peace, ahead of the 2026 elections.
He highlighted that a peaceful environment fosters positive outcomes for elections, unlike the opposite, citing the importance of free and fair elections.
The Head of State was speaking when the United Nations family organisations, led by Beatrice Mutali, paid a courtesy call on him to present their annual brief.
Addressing the UN team, President Hichilema reiterated that the United Nations is the government’s true partner, emphasising the continued partnership that has been observed over time, for all the work done together over the years.
The President has highlighted how much he values the UN system, noting the recent geopolitical landscapes among other situations, while emphasising that Zambia will always rely on the UN family.
Mr Hichilema further reiterated the call for Africa’s representation at the UN Security Council, citing the need for the continent to have a seat at the table.
And Mr Hichilema echoed the government’s efforts to drive macroeconomic stability for the nation, stressing the importance of peace and stability.
He noted that, due to global tensions and war, there is a need to adapt to the changing circumstances, saying the actions that the country and the UN undertake together, must evolve in response to current events.
He thanked the UN for its support in the health sector, noting that every Zambian deserves access to healthcare, regardless of where they come from.
The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali reiterated the UN’s mandate to support the country’s electoral process.
“2026 being an election year and in line with our mandate of supporting electoral processes. We remain committed to enhancing our support for the election process,” she stated.
Ms Mutali also added that the UN greatly values the Zambia-UN partnership and open-door policy for dialogues towards the UN system in Zambia.
She was speaking when she gave a brief update and report of the UN engagements and key interventions in the country, such as the formulation of the Ninth National Development Plan (9NDP).
She noted that the UN is engaging with the ministry of Finance and National Planning which is currently awaiting the final roadmap.
“The UN has worked with relevant ministries and partners to support the localisation of global commitments that Zambia has signed up to, in order to align with the country’s priorities,” she stated.
