President Hakainde Hichilema has called for unity among United Party for National Development (UPND) members ahead of the August 13 general elections, urging party structures to support all adopted candidates.
Speaking shortly after arriving at Solwezi Airport for a one-day working visit, President Hichilema said the country needs Members of Parliament who support his vision in order to sustain and build on the developmental gains achieved under the New Dawn administration.
The President emphasized that the party is bigger than individual interests and that all adopted candidates should be embraced and supported by party members.
“If you are not happy with one candidate, just think of the President and support them for the sake of the President,” President Hichilema said.
He noted that while parliamentary and local government positions are important, the presidency remains the most critical office, as it provides overall leadership and direction for national development.
“The most important seat is that of the President. The rest are there to support the President and help formulate laws that enable the country to grow,” he said.
President Hichilema further urged party members to work hard to retain the UPND in government so that ongoing programmes and policies can continue benefiting citizens.
“Let us keep the UPND in office so that we continue with the gains we have made in the last four years and some months, such as free education, school feeding programmes and the employment of civil servants,” he said.
The Head of State also appealed to the people of North-Western Province not to support leaders whom he said contributed to the country’s economic challenges in the past.
“Let us not create room for those who created chaos in the country because ngwena ni ngwena (a crocodile is a crocodile),” President Hichilema said.
Meanwhile, North-Western Province UPND Chairperson Adam Sapezo assured the President of overwhelming support from the province.
Mr Sapezo pledged that party members in the province would remain united and work towards delivering maximum votes for the ruling party in the forthcoming elections.
President Hichilema is in Solwezi for a one-day working visit during which he is expected to worship at Solwezi Airport Seventh-day Adventist Church before meeting party officials.
