. Lungu

By CHILA NAMAIKO and REBECCA CHIPANTA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu is confident of a resounding victory in next month’s general elections, judging by the huge support he has continued to receive from Zambians across the country.
President Lungu said the Patriotic Front (PF) was the most loved party among Zambians anchored on several development projects the Government had continued to unveil in different parts of the country.
The Head of State said this at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday on his arrival from Ndola, where he and his Mozambican counterpart, Filipe Nyusi officiated at this year’s 52nd Zambia International Trade Fair.
President Lungu said Zambians had continued to show great confidence in his leadership and was confident of winning the August 11 general elections.
“The huge turnout from the meetings we are holding in different parts of the country is a mark of confidence that the people of Zambia have in us,” he said.
Mr Lungu was received by Vice-President Inonge Wina, Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene and other Cabinet members, defence chiefs and PF officials.
Meanwhile, speaking ahead of departure from Ndola’s Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, President Lungu thanked Copperbelt residents for ensuring peace prevailed as political campaigns continued.
He called on PF members to refrain from any violent acts, as such vices were detrimental to the well-being of the nation.
Mr Lungu called on PF members not to give up on what the party had started under the leadership of late President Michael Sata.
The President said there was need to embrace old and new members as they all belonged to one party.
“I would like to urge you not to give up on what we started with President Sata in 2011. Some of you were there, others have just joined us, but we are one and we belong to one party, which is the Patriotic Front (PF).
“Let us work on finishing what we promised the people. The journey has just started, we have a duty to pay back the Zambian people for the confidence they reposed in us. Moving in a group does not mean you are afraid,” the Head of State said.
He called on party members not to relent, but ignore people making unnecessary attacks.
“Thank you very much for being very peaceful here on the Copperbelt.
You are the heart of Zambian politics and economy. When you mess up here everything will be destroyed. I am grateful for the peace and please continue maintaining the peace,” Mr Lungu said.
President Lungu promised to visit every district in the country in the run up to the general elections.
Meanwhile, Mr Nyusi expressed happiness with the manner in which the ZITF was being held.
Speaking before departure for Maputo, President Nyusi said Mozambique had learnt a lot from the Fair, which he officially opened.
“We are extremely happy with the way you received us here. We are happy with what we have seen at your Fair. We have picked a lot that the people of Mozambique need to learn. Let us continue with these warm bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and our people. We wish Zambia all the best,” he said.