I don’t need to be recognised by UPND – Lungu

Edgar Lungu

I’m the democratically elected republican president of Zambia and I do not need to be recognised by the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), charged President Lungu.

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has disputed the election of President Lungu and has vowed that the opposition party will not recognise his presidency.

But President Lungu today said the UPND must now come to terms that he was dully elected and has been recognised by the whole world. He said even if the UPND does not recognise him as president it will have no significance.

“I don’t need to be accepted by the UPND. I am here, and I am the President. I am accepted by Zambians and the world at large. So what is their problem? I don’t need recognition from them,” President Lungu when asked by Journalist that the UPND does not recognise his presidency.

He said the electoral process went on well in a democratic manner adding that the parallel voter tabulation (PVT) showed that he won the Presidential elections.

President Lungu said the UPND can choose to remain in denial and delusion but the country will continue to move forward.

In response to remarks by the UPND that they will give the Patriotic Front (PF) a tough time in parliament despite the ruling party having large numbers, President Lungu said Zambians were mature and if the UPND contribute to developmental issues, they will appreciate them.

President Lungu said the Zambian people will judge the conduct of the UPND Members of Parliament who boycotted Parliament when he officially opened it.

He however said if UPND Members of Parliament make fools of themselves in parliament, the Zambians will judge them.

He said Zambians do not entertain mischief but want tangible development.

President Lungu was speaking at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport shortly before he left for Ndola to watch the football match between Zambia and Nigeria on Sunday.