Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked citizens for renewing his mandate, pledging to dedicate his second term to development, unity and improving the lives of people across the country.
In a statement issued after the election victory, Hichilema said he was humbled by the confidence voters had placed in him and described his re-election as a renewed responsibility to serve the Zambian people.
“Thank you, Zambia! We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in our hands, to hold our nation's highest office and to be your servant, once more,” Hichilema said.
The president also praised the conduct of the election, saying the voting process demonstrated Zambia's commitment to democracy and peaceful political competition.
He said the election had shown the world that Zambia was a nation that resolves political differences through the ballot rather than violence.
“This election showed the world who we are: a nation of peace, a nation of law and order, a democratic nation that settles our differences at the ballot box, and nowhere else,” he stated.
Hichilema said his campaign had taken him and his team across all 116 districts, giving them an opportunity to interact directly with citizens in urban centres, villages, farms and residential communities.
He said those engagements had exposed him to the challenges facing ordinary Zambians and strengthened his determination to address them during his second term.
“Over these months we have travelled to all 116 districts, to our nation's cities, our compounds, our villages, and our farms. We saw first-hand the challenges that our people are facing, and we resolved to work with you to solve these challenges, together,” he said.
The president also reached out to voters who supported opposition candidates, assuring them that his administration would continue working for all Zambians regardless of their political affiliations.
“To those citizens who preferred the ideas presented by our opponents, we hear you, and we will continue to work for you to ensure that every Zambian benefits from the development we are delivering,” Hichilema said.
He further highlighted children he encountered during the campaign, saying their experiences had reinforced his commitment to creating a better future for the next generation.
Hichilema pledged that his administration would now return its attention to development, urging citizens to unite behind the country's national goals.
“Now we must work harder than ever before to deliver meaningful development for every single Zambian, in every corner of our country,” he said.
The president said his government would devote its energies to development and progress while promoting unity, cooperation and a shared national purpose.
His victory gives him another five-year mandate after he first captured the presidency in 2021, ending Edgar Lungu's second term.
Hichilema concluded his message by calling for continued national unity following a closely contested campaign.
“After a hard-fought campaign, the people have spoken and we now turn our focus to building even greater peace and prosperity, and we remain One Zambia, One Nation, One people,” he said.