By Anthony Chomba,
The Democratic Party has endorsed incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema for the August 13 presidential and general elections, stating that the party will campaign for his re-election while focusing on strengthening its own structures ahead of the polls.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Democratic Party President Judith Kabemba said the decision followed an internal assessment of the party’s performance and consultations with citizens across the country.
Ms. Kabemba disclosed that the party had resolved not to field its own presidential candidate but would instead rally behind President Hichilema, arguing that the current administration has made progress in key sectors and should be allowed to continue implementing its policies.
She added that the party reflected on its performance in the 2021 Zambian general election where it participated in presidential, parliamentary and local government races but secured only about 24,000 votes nationwide.
Ms. Kabemba said the party has since drawn lessons from that experience and will now focus on building stronger structures across the country while contesting parliamentary and local government seats.
