CHANGE INDEED

QUITE clearly, the demand for change has carried the day and Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) is poised to scoop the presidency. Covid-19 and its devastating effects on the economy resonated well with calls for change.It created fertile ground for despair among the citizenry as it resulted in job losses and a steep rise in the cost of living. The election was not about party affiliation but about economic reality.Whatever happens, we believe that the electorate,particularly the youth, represented by their high turn- out were voting not for a party but on a an economic reality. There is very high unemployment among the youth. This though is a global problem that all countries are grappling with.They want to see a Zambia that will turn into a success story and give them opportunities to prosper. The task for the new leadership is quite onerous to ensure that the youth are moulded into a positive force, and not one that becomes a social problem. The youth have very high expectations which they hope will be met for failure to do so will create fertile ground for despondency and other social evils. Obviously, President Edgar Lungu, we feel, should concede defeat and wish Mr Hichilema and his new administration well and let them continue from where his administration has left off. One of the projects that we feel should be allowed to continue and completed is the National House of Prayer under construction in Lusaka.We believe this is a national project and a symbol of unity for Zambia as a Christian nation.Mr Hichilema faces not only economic challenges but political as well.He will be assuming the presidency marked by unseen violence in the country’s history during elec- tions.The gruesome murder of two members of the Patriotic Front in Solwezi on Thursday is something he must address to bring reconciliation and healing. PF North-Western Province chairman Jackson Kungo and another official were killed in cold lood by suspected UPND cadres on suspicion that he was carrying pre-marked ballot papers. In Lusaka, PF aspiring candidate for Matero constituency Miles Sampa was stabbed in George Township while his aide was hacked on the head.But in the meantime as the nation waits for the official announcement of results by the ECZ, we call for restraint in the nation and adherence to the electoral regulations. Peace is cardinal for the country to reach its potential and it is important that each Zambian must be an active participant in this. No one must engage in behaviour that is detrimental to the country’s wellbeing.Voting might have ended but the task of building the country is a continuous process. And this can only be achieved when there is peace. The founding fathers sacrificed their lives so that their descendants could live in peace and unity. Their sacrifice should not therefore be in vain.Even when the final results are announced, 72 hours after the last polling station closed, All Zambians must embrace and accept them as the will of the people.