LUSAKA - Three days before the polls, former PF Cabinet Minister Dr Dora Siliya has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema for the August 13 General Election.
Appearing on Diamond TV last night, Dr Siliya said she was persuaded to support the current administration because she believes Zambia has moved past its most difficult economic challenges and should now focus on industrialisation, job creation and investment.
She said her decision was informed by the need for economic continuity, particularly following the country's debt restructuring and engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Dr Siliya warned that disrupting the current economic programme could undermine the progress made over the past five years.
"Personally, I would want to see a continuation of this government because the first five years have been very difficult. We know now that working with the IMF, it has become clear that we are over the hill, and we want to see better beyond Thursday," she said.
She explained that the international goodwill that followed the change of government in 2021 had also played a role in stabilising the country's economy.
"I would probably say that I'm persuaded to say I would support the current administration because I think the worst is over, and it was international goodwill after the change of government in 2021 that has brought us here because things would have been worse," she said.
Dr Siliya also called for Zambia to derive greater benefits from its mining sector, saying reducing production costs could increase profits for mining companies and government revenues.
She further backed the continuation of free education while calling for measures to make higher education more affordable.
Dr Siliya said her support for the current administration was based on policy considerations rather than political relationships, adding that Zambians should be free to choose their preferred leaders without hostility.
She urged Zambians to exercise their democratic right to vote peacefully and respect those who make different political choices.
"Every Zambian has a right to vote. Nobody should be angry with another person because they are not voting like you," Dr Siliya said.
Source: Kalemba | By: Elizabeth Muchape