President Hichilema Preaches Unity in Victory Address: "Zambia Is the Winner"

President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema has struck a tone of conciliation, peace and unity in his first address to the nation since being declared the winner of the 2026 General Election, urging Zambians to come together regardless of how they voted.

In a message aimed squarely at healing any divisions left by a hard-fought campaign, the President-Elect insisted that no one had been defeated. "There is no winner or loser here. Zambia is the winner," he said, framing the outcome as a victory for the country and its democracy rather than for any one side.

He was emphatic that those who had backed other candidates remained valued members of the national family. "Those who voted for us and those who didn't, you are both equal citizens of this country," he said, adding that those who had chosen differently "are not your enemies, they are your brothers and sisters and, above all, fellow citizens."

Reflecting on the campaign, the President-Elect said he had listened closely to the public during visits to all 116 districts and 226 constituencies, and described his re-election as a serious expression of confidence that he was determined to honour.

He also appealed for calm among his supporters, cautioning against any celebrations that could cause harm. "Those who are celebrating, don't injure anyone or break people's property," he urged.

The address set the tone for a second term built on reconciliation, calling on all Zambians to move forward together as one people in peace and unity.