The Editor Zambia
President Hakainde Hichilema’s bid for a second term has received an extensive wave of endorsements from across Zambia, with political parties, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, transport operators, marketeers, academics, students and other community stakeholders expressing confidence in his leadership ahead of the August 13 general election.
The growing support reflects what many supporters describe as confidence in the New Dawn Government’s record of economic recovery, expanded social programmes and infrastructure development, making President Hichilema one of the most broadly endorsed presidential candidates in recent years. 
Within the political arena, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has unanimously adopted President Hichilema as its presidential candidate, while alliance partners have reaffirmed their commitment to his re-election campaign.
The endorsements have not been confined to the ruling alliance, with several opposition figures and independent political leaders publicly declaring support for the President, citing ongoing development projects and improved economic management as reasons for backing his candidature.
Support has also emerged from Parliament, where Members of Parliament from different political backgrounds have praised programmes such as the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF), free education, and increased investment in health and rural infrastructure.
Lawmakers say these initiatives have empowered communities to undertake development projects that were previously beyond their reach.
Traditional leaders have equally added their voices to the growing chorus of support. Chiefs from various parts of the country have commended the government for strengthening the institution of traditional leadership through the construction of chiefs’ palaces, increased support for cultural ceremonies, and improved collaboration with royal establishments.
The Lamba-Lima Royal Council of Chiefs in Copperbelt Province has been among the latest traditional institutions to endorse President Hichilema, citing free education, road construction, the revival of mining activities, expanded healthcare infrastructure, timely delivery of farming inputs, enhanced Social Cash Transfers, the Cash for Work Programme and the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K40 million as programmes that have transformed communities.
The Royal Highnesses also praised the government’s commitment to peace, democratic governance, and the rule of law, describing these as essential foundations for sustainable national development.
Beyond politics and traditional leadership, the President has continued attracting support from Zambia’s informal and transport sectors.
Thousands of Lusaka marketeers, bus operators, truck drivers and taxi drivers recently held a solidarity procession through the capital before gathering at Freedom Statue to publicly endorse President Hichilema, saying Government policies had created a more stable environment for business and commerce.
The endorsement campaign has also attracted voices from academia. In a development that surprised many observers, political commentator Dr. Field Ruwe, long regarded as one of President Hichilema’s most outspoken critics, publicly endorsed the Head of State’s re-election, describing his decision as being based on what he considers the broader national interest.
Young people have likewise continued to express support for the President following the government’s sustained investment in education.
Students from the University of Zambia recently marched to State House in solidarity with President Hichilema, where he announced an increase in the annual student accommodation allowance from K3,850 to K5,850 and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving learning conditions at the country’s largest public university.
Student leaders welcomed the increase and praised the government’s interventions, including improvements to sanitation, restoration of meal allowances, and continued implementation of free education.
Political observers note that the endorsements now span nearly every major sector of Zambian society, including political leaders, traditional authorities, legislators, students, transport operators, traders, academics and grassroots community organisations.
As the country prepares for the August 13 elections, President Hichilema’s supporters say the broad coalition rallying behind him reflects growing confidence in the continuation of policies aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities and sustaining development across the country.
