PF and MMD must not be trusted to rule – HH

Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema who is running for the republican presidency in the forthcoming presidential by-election says PF and MMD must not be trusted with power to governor the country.

Hichilema says the fact that the two parties have failed to manage issues in their own parties is evident enough that they cannot be enrusted with power to governor the country.

The two parties have been embroiled with squabbles in choosing presidential candidates for the presidential by-election.

Below is HH’s statement in full:

I would like to appeal to politicians in the PF and MMD to reflect on their behavior over the past week.

The squabbles and struggles that have engulfed the PF and MMD threaten the trust between Zambians and their politicians, and our hope for a better future. It undermines the peace and stability we treasure as a nation.

We must remember that what needs to be done in terms of development and delivering change for the Zambian people over the next few months is much more important than any one personal or political disagreement.

What needs to be done requires strength and unity of purpose. It is therefore essential that any party putting itself forward for the Presidential by ­election has its own house in order first. Otherwise, squabbling and infighting will quickly distract it from delivering on its promises, which will then remain only words and never actions.

After the events of the past week it is hard to see how either the MMD or PF could be expected to lead a united country when they are so divided themselves. Not only can they not agree on a candidate, but now they also cannot agree on the modality of selecting a candidate.

As such, I would like to take this opportunity to praise the example shown by the UPND party members who have recognized the seriousness of the task at hand and thank them for their continued support. I encourage them to carry on in the same vein and lead us forward to a better Zambia.

Hakainde Hichilema
 UPND President