ZAMBIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AS VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY

 

Defeated incumbent President, Edgar Lungu (left), and President-elect, Hakainde Hichilema.

A civil society organization, the Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate (CPPM) like democrats and advocates of good governance all over the world, wishes to commend and congratulate the good people of Zambia for the successful presidential election recently concluded, which saw the presidential candidate of the opposition party Mr. Hakainde Hichilema defeating the incumbent President Mr. Edgar Lungu of the ruling party at the polls on 12 August, 2021.

The statement read, "We regard this transition of government that derives its legitimacy from the peoples votes at the polls as a victory for democracy, not only for Zambia, but for Africa".

According to the executive Chairman of the organization Nelson Ekujumi via a press statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday 17th August, 2021, the group commended the independent electoral commission of Zambia for its transparent and unbiased conduct of the election which manifested in the outcome being a reflection of the wish of the people as expressed at the polls.

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The organization also commended the great people of Zambia who trooped out to the polls on election day to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner and thus further reaffirmed their commitment and faith in the ballot box as the means of attaining political power.

Mr. Nelson Ekujumi in the press release commended the outgoing President Mr. Edgar Lungu for his exemplary democratic conduct in conceding defeat to the winner of the election without rancour and which has earned him a worthy place of honour among reputable world leaders.

CPPM then urged the newly elected President Mr. Edgar Lungu to be magnanimous in victory and see his electoral triumph as a victory for all Zambians and uniting force despite the existing political differences.

The group commended the security agencies for their impartiality and professionalism in securing the country for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election. It as well applauded the local and international observer groups as well as the media for the professional discharge of their responsibilities.

As the people of Zambia look forward to a new dispensation under the leadership of the Presidency of Mr. Hichilema, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM), wished them a peaceful and prosperous era.