VERY URGENT; I Unequivocally Concede Defeat As Per The results…

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Ladies and gentlemen, we are alive to the fact that in line with the Republican constitution, Zambia held its Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on 12 August,2021 which were facilitated by my government. These election were held on the principle of democracy which requires the people to elect their preferred representatives. I wish to commend Electoral Commission of Zambia for having managed the electoral process diligently despite the challenges of Covid-19 , electoral violence and a stifling political environment.

Unfortunately, the process has seen particularly in places like Western, Northwestern and Southern province loss of lives, assault of political opponents and electoral officers and loss of property worth millions destroyed. These acts fly in the face of our history as a beacon of peace. Admittedly, the legitimacy of elections are affected by such acts as they create an unfair against political opponents.
Despite all this, our security men and women did a commendable job by ensuring that Zambians were protected before, during and after elections.

Despite our misgivings on the violence and electoral malpractices, I have deeply reflected on the need for Zambia to move forward as a unitary state. In line with the people’s will who spoke through the ballot, I have come to the inescapable conclusion that as the 6th Republican President, I will hand over the instruments of power to Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the president of United Party for National Development who clearly has won these elections.

I unequivocally concede defeat as per the results that have been published by Electoral Commission of Zambia . I on my own behalf and on behalf of Zambians extend my congratulatory message to you Sir , you running mate and the United Party for National Development on your well deserved victory. In the coming days, I look foward to commence and complete the handover to the new administration in line with the law.

I therefore appeal to members of the Patriotic Front and Zambians at large to support the new government in all endeavours. Zambia is bigger and mightier than all of us. I have no doubt that Zambia is in safe hands.
I thank you all and God bless Zambia
6th Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu

15/08/21