“DON’T FORGET THE PRESIDENT”: What Did HH Really Mean in Solwezi?
By: Joshua Phiri – [Kafue Eye 14.06.2026]
During his address at Solwezi Airport yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema closed with a line that has sparked debate: “If you don’t like the MP candidate, please don’t forget the president.”
On the surface, it sounds simple. But in the context of Zambia’s current political climate, the statement lands differently.
Since the recent intra-party adoption process, there’s been visible frustration on the ground. In several constituencies, candidates perceived as “strong” and “popular” were left out, while others seen as “imposed” were adopted. Social media and ward meetings have been full of complaints that the process didn’t reflect the people’s will. Some structures have even warned of voter apathy or protest votes.
There are three common interpretations circulating:
Not directly. No sitting president will openly tell people to vote for independents against his own party. But politically, the statement creates space. It signals that State House understands the frustration and won’t equate a rejection of the local MP with a rejection of HH himself. For some voters, that’s permission to split their ballot in August 2026: independent or opposition MP, but UPND for president.
This strategy cuts both ways. It may save presidential votes, but it weakens the party in Parliament. A president without a strong parliamentary majority struggles to pass laws and budgets. It also emboldens more aspirants to run as independents next time, knowing there’s no serious consequence from the top.
This moment speaks to a long-running Zambian issue: the tension between party structures and grassroots preference. Voters are increasingly saying, “We love the president, but we want to choose our own MP.” HH’s Solwezi line might be the first time a sitting president publicly made room for that sentiment.
Bottom line: The President didn’t tell people to vote for independents. But he did tell them their anger at the MP candidate shouldn’t extend to him. In Zambian politics, that’s as close as you’ll get to a green light for ticket-splitting.
What do you think — was this smart political realism, or does it undermine party discipline? Drop your thoughts below.
MR PRESIDENT, YOU SAID IT YOURSELF THAT YOU COULD FEEL THE HATRADE, THIS CAME FROM YOUR PERSON. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO CHANGE THE NARATIVE?
