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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to vote not only for him but for all UPND candidates in the August 13 general election to ensure continued development across the country.
Speaking during a campaign engagement in Western Province yesterday, President Hichilema said voters needed to support UPND candidates at all levels, including Members of Parliament and councillors, to accelerate national development.
“Your vote is powerful and it is what is helping us to deliver. You need to be as consistent like UPND for you to make an impact on people’s lives,” President Hichilema said.
He cited infrastructure projects such as the Luanginga Bridge as evidence of his administration’s commitment to development, but that more work remained to be done.
He said he was seeking a strong mandate in the upcoming election to enable Government to continue implementing development programmes.
“We need more votes on August 13 so that the country can continue to develop. We must win by a huge margin so that UPND continues to deliver,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema said infrastructure development, particularly in Western Province, where he noted there was need for increased industrialisation and improved road networks to enhance commerce.
He directed that works on the Kalabo airstrip be prioritised, stating that he would personally monitor key projects in the province to ensure they benefitted local communities.
President Hichilema also appealed to non-UPND members to join the ruling party and urged its structures to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections.
At the same time, he warned party members against engaging in violence, saying politics should be centred on service delivery and unity.
“We must not fight over councillor, over Member of Parliament or even President. Let us unite. If we start fighting, we give chance to other political parties and we will lose all of us,” Mr Hichilema said.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema urged communities to support healthcare workers and avoid disrupting services at health facilities.
“Don’t chase nurses or administrators from hospitals. Our duty is to support medical staff and contribute to the betterment of our peobople,” he said.
