By JOHN SAKALA
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has implored his members across the country not to lose hope due to minor setbacks of not winning some seats in the bye-election.
This is the first time that the UPND leader in his political career is sending message of hope to the Zambian voter who is in despair, rather than focusing on how dubious the voting was.
Mr Hichilema said the by-elections are mainly as a result of dishonesty by leaders who jump guns because of lack of political morals.
“We call on the citizens to continue showing that power belongs to them and no amount of pieces of silver will sway them into following those without a heart for them.
“We are aware that in order to defend your power through vote protection, some of you were injured as is the case in Kasempa by those at variance with democracy and divergent views but just remember that power belongs to you and not a select few,” he said.
He said voting for UPND was not only a correct thing but their true democratic right showing the power which people have.
“Thank you all for turning up to vote in the local government and parliamentary by-elections in North Western, Western and Kasenengwa of Eastern province which were held yesterday.
“To the over 73% in Kasenengwa constituency of Eastern province who did not vote; we say do not lose hope because help is on the way and just remember that: People power! Our power! All in all, you, our people, the grassroots are the true winners of yesterday’s elections,” he said.
The UPND leader implored his party structures across the country go out and tell other people that power belongs to them.
He said that there is no time for armchair criticism, but time to work, mobilise and move not only our party forward but the country as a whole.
“Once more congratulations to all of us because a win against the corrupt few is a win for people,” he said.
Mr Hichilema who leads the major opposition political party has regularly derailed himself from his path due to his desire to focus on other political players other than the Zambian voter.
