Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema urges voters to choose peace in pre‑election rallies

President Hakainde Hichilema toured several Zambian districts—including Serenje, Chitambo, Kalabo and Kabwe – delivering speeches that praised government‑led development since 2021. He highlighted increased Constituency Development Fund allocations, free education, road construction (including the Lusaka‑Ndola dual carriageway), expanded fertilizer distribution, a record 5 million‑tonne maize harvest and cuts to diesel prices. The president also noted recruitment of thousands of youths into the armed forces, police and civil services and promised further hostel construction for students.

In each rally he framed the upcoming August 13 general election as a clear choice: continue the peace, security and economic progress under the United Party for National Development (UPND), or revert to the political violence of earlier years. He urged voters to support UPND candidates at all levels to protect the gains made since 2021. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has meanwhile suspended the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity’s campaign activities in Kaputa after violence that resulted in a death, underscoring the heightened political tension ahead of the vote.