PresidentHakainde Hichilemahas warned members of the rulingUnited Party for National Developmentplanning to contest as independent candidates after losing party adoption that they should not expect appointments into government. Speaking during a community engagement inKalabo Districtyesterday, President Hichilema urged party members to remain united and support candidates who will be adopted by the UPND ahead of this year’s general elections. The Head of State said what matters most is for the ruling party to secure victories at all levels, from councillor to president, rather than individuals pursuing personal battles.
“There will always be one person at a time, what is important is for us to win UPND councillor, mayor, MP and President,” President Hichilema said. The President said members who will not be adopted should remain loyal to the party because there will still be opportunities for them to serve in different capacities. “All those that will not be adopted on UPND tickets, rally behind those that will be adopted,” he said.
President Hichilema added that some aspiring candidates who may not make it onto the ballot could later be appointed into government or diplomatic positions if they remain disciplined. “Some of those who will not stand will be appointed as ambassadors and in the foreign service. Some will be appointed in government and some will be nominated,” he stated.
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However, the President warned that those who choose to rebel and stand as independents risk excluding themselves from future appointments. “If you become hungry and you start running as Independent, we will not appoint you as ambassadors,” warned President Hichilema.
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