By: Ollus Ndomu
Main opposition United Party for National Development -UPND- President Hakainde Hichilema has remained highly optimistic of a landslide victory in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking Wednesday at a UPND Alliance press conference in the capital, Lusaka, Mr Hichilema urged the ruling Patriotic Front -PF- of incumbent President Dr Edgar Lungu to start preparing for a smooth transition of power ahead of the country’s most anticipated polls.
Hichilema, 59, who has been in opposition since 2006 following the demise of his party’s founder, Anderson Mazoka, is now enjoying widespread support across Zambia’s urban areas as his economy focused manifesto seems to offer the most needed hope among citizens.
Zambia goes to the polls on August 12 to elect new constitutional office bearers including the president, members of parliament, councillors and mayors.
Regional and international political analysts say the outcome of this year’s competitive elections will be determined by the prevailing economic free fall, high cost of living, uncontrollable currency depreciation including the breakdown in the rule of law.
