MWACEPA SANA
…eyes on the ball, it’s not crowds but votes, says Hichilema
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he has not yet begun full-scale campaign rallies ahead of the August 13 general election and has warned political opponents against prematurely declaring victory.
The head of state said activities currently taking place across the country should not be mistaken for actual campaign rallies, stressing that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) was still laying the groundwork for its mobilisation strategy.
“I have not started having campaign rallies yet. Wait. I’m putting the seeds in order. Watch my steps,” Hichilema said in Kasama yesterday.
The President was speaking during a meeting with UPND adopted candidates and party officials from Northern Province.
He said once consultations and engagements with party structures were completed, he would move into the next phase of campaign activities.
The head of state also dismissed early victory claims by rival political parties, saying some political players were underestimating the intensity and seriousness of the electoral contest.
“I’m watching and I’m saying mwacepa sana [you’re not my match]. I heard some people, after having a rally in Kitwe, saying we have already won. Mwacepa sana baice bandi [I’m not your mate],” Hichilema said.
He said his participation in several election cycles had taught him that success at the polls comes through hard work, discipline and sustained engagement with voters.
“I have been through this process of elections for many years. We need to win and win big. We need to campaign and campaign hard. We need to work hard,” Hichilema said.
He described the August 13 election as a defining moment for Zambia, arguing that voters would be deciding whether to continue key government programmes, including free education.
“This election presents a lifetime chance to the people of Zambia to secure, through a vote of continuity, the lives of millions of our children who are accessing free education in all public schools across the country,” Hichilema said.
He urged party officials to remain united as the election campaign gathers momentum, warning against internal divisions that could undermine the party’s efforts.
“Abena [people of] Northern [Province], let us continue to work together for the good of the country,” Hichilema said.
Credit: Kalemba
