PRESIDENT HICHILEMA URGES VOTERS TO ELECT UPND CANDIDATES FROM PRESIDENT TO COUNCILOR

As the political temperature rises ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections, President Hakainde Hichilema has launched an aggressive mobilization campaign, calling upon voters across the country to deliver a clean sweep for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Addressing massive gatherings and party structures during his nationwide tours, the Head of State stressed the necessity of a unified leadership chain, urging citizens to vote for UPND candidates from the presidential slot down to local government councilors. President Hichilema argued that effective policy implementation and decentralized development—anchored heavily on the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF)—require absolute synergy between local authorities, parliamentarians, and the executive branch. Emphasizing the slogan of voting 'in a suit' or 'in a chain', he cautioned the electorate against splitting their votes or opting for independent candidates, warning that fragmented local leadership could stall critical infrastructural projects and social welfare programs like free education. The President's strategic push comes as political parties finalize their local campaigns and vie for dominance in key provincial strongholds. During recent stops in regions traditionally viewed as opposition territory, such as Muchinga Province, as well as crucial swing areas on the Copperbelt, Mr. Hichilema highlighted the administration's delivery record, pointing to massive teacher and health worker recruitment drives, road network rehabilitation, and economic stabilization measures. He framed the upcoming polls as a definitive choice between continued progress under the New Dawn government and regression to past economic challenges. Political analysts note that the 'straight-ticket' rallying cry is designed to mitigate internal friction and prevent party supporters from backing disgruntled independent aspirants who failed to secure adoption during primaries. By demanding strict pa