By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
The country’s main opposition party Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) has officially passed its congratulatory message to Zambia’s newly elected president, Hakainde Hichilema.
MDC-A confirmed the new development in a statement dated 15 August, issued by the party’s secretary for international relations Glady Hlatswayo.
Hichilema leader of the then Zambia’s opposition party United Party for National Development (UPND) won the August 12 presidential election handing outgoing President Edgar Lungu a defeat.
“The MDC Alliance extends its warm congratulations to President Elect Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND for their resounding victory in the ended August 12 elections in Zambia,” reads part of the MDC-A statement.
The Nelson Chamisa led party praised the Zambians for the victory indicating that the outcome will bring democracy in the country.
MDC-A also urged other countries in particular Zimbabwe and Swaziland who are allegedly under authoritarian rule to learn from the Zambians.
“The election victory is a triumph for democracy in light of the growing authoritarian consolidation we have witnessed in countries such as Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
“The UPND is our sister party and we have exchanged notes over the years to further the cause of democracy and good governance in our respective nations. We draw many lessons from the Zambian story.
“We appeal to all countries in the region especially Zimbabwe to learn from the Zambian experience,” further reads the MDC-A statement.
Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine also took to his Twitter handle to congratulate Hichilema’s victory.
“Hearty congratulations to the Zambian President-elect, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema. On behalf of all democracy loving Ugandans, I congratulate the people of Zambia on this momentous achievement. This is not only a Zambian victory, but a victory for Africa and democracy,” reads Wine’s Twit.
Meanwhile, Hichilema will serve as the nation’s (Zambia) 7th president and his victory has saw the country managing to remove the ruling party for the third time in history.
