Resolute Party President Dr. Martin Phiri has ruled out challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s election victory, saying petitioning would be “counter productive.”
Addressing the media in Lusaka Thursday morning, Dr. Phiri described the just-ended general elections as free and fair and confirmed that the Resolute Party has accepted the outcome.
Dr. Phiri called on other political players to concede and allow Zambia to focus on development.
“Petitioning President Hakainde Hichilema’s election victory will be counter productive and we will not do that,” he said.
“I urge other political players to accept the results so that the country can move on.”
The Resolute Party leader advised citizens to rally behind President Hichilema.
He said the party’s role going forward will be two-fold: to provide meaningful checks and balances to the UPND government, and to rebuild the Resolute Party structures ahead of future elections.
President Hichilema was re-elected on August 13, 2026 with about 60% of the valid votes cast.
Francis Chipalo
