Friends, one of the issues that came out strongly, that you would like me to address is that of my team. You deserve to know more about your incoming government. I'll take a moment to discuss this with you this evening. #Zambia

Many of you are hoping that I'll list the names and positions tonight. Not today, allow me to provide some context and the foundation to the formation of your government from 2021 to 2026.

A team must be a reflection of key objectives. Ours include:

1. Turning around the economy
2. Economic diversification
3. Strengthening institutions
4. Strengthening our democracy
5. National unity
6. Quality education
7. Quality healthcare
8. Restoring the rule of law

These objectives among others are anchored on the goal to raise the standards of living for Zambians.

- 1 & 2 will produce quality jobs
- 3 provides for better oversight & the fight against corruption
- 4 will enable free speech, a free press & an independent ECZ

- 5 tackles tribalism & ensures there is diversity of tribe, gender & the youth in our government
- 5 & 7 investing in human capital
- 8 involves developing independent institutions that are devoid of political influence, ensuring the 3 arms of government are independent.

The above is our agenda for our first term of office from 2021 to 2026. With such a background, it is clear that it requires a sound team to execute.

Let us bear in mind that there is a civil service in place. We have done an initial assessment of the calibre of those employed in it and many, I must admit are sound. There has been problems with regards to politicization of key roles such as Directors and Permanent Secretaries.

A significant number of Directors and PSs will have to be evaluated based on their competencies, performance and record. We certainly intend to inject new blood in such roles and candidates are already in the system. Some will, of course, come from outside government.

We won't fire anyone for political reasons but rather, based on merit. Most good civil servants will stay, even though they were engaged through the PF. This may be disconcerting to many but we have to be inclusive and objective. I'll elaborate further on this matter.

It is no secret that the civil service is riddled with highly incompetent PF cadres. Those are undoubtedly going. It is also not a secret that the civil service is not a reflection of the diversity of our country. It must be balanced by varous tribes, youth, gender & other groups

The Public Service Management Division, the HR department of the government will conduct an audit to ensure that not only do we have competent and qualified people, it will erase the corrupt phenomenon of "Ghost workers"

This is essentially a background on our intentions with the civil service. We will elaborate further through our manifesto. Let us move on to foreign service. Like the rest of the civil service, it is all about merit. Not who is HH's friend, relative or tribes mate.

We need career professionals who carry out our outlined objectives. We have developed performance metrics similar to those used in the private sector that will be strictly enforced. Our aim is to have a truly competent & effective Gov't that delivers on the people's aspirations.

Before we get into Cabinet Ministers, I'll refresh your memory on where they come from. In accordance with our current constitution, the have to be elected and nominated members of parliament. It is from that pool of people that I'll make choices.

We first of all have to nominate strong candidates for our parliamentary seats who have requisite qualifications and skills in various vocations from the Ministries I intend them to lead. They then have to win the seats before they are eligible to be appointed Ministers.

We will not adopt any Minister from the current PF government to serve in a role of Minister in ours.

I have highly impressive candidates that will be nominated to parliament in order to serve in key technical Ministries that will deliver our economic turnaround. These include Finance, Agriculture, Mines, Commerce and Investment.

I must also inform you that will are scheduled to have our elective conference this July where National Management Committee members will be elected. The Presidential candidate for the UPND will also be determined. I am offering myself for re-election.

As you can see, the are numerous factors that affect who will serve in our government but in due course, as we move past various milestones, you will be informed. You have my word on this.

I would like to add 2 final points. First is regarding your next vice president and the other is concerning why it is also necessary that we withhold the identity of some of your future Ministers.

The issue of the veep is one I have deeply reflected on. I admit making mistakes before but not this time. We must learn from our past and ensure that moving forward, we should not only consult but thoroughly vet. I can safely say, you will not be disappointed.

If the elective conference allows me to stand on behalf of the UPND, we will then announce the running mate. We won't rush this process. Let's look at the US example. Biden is the presumptive nominee for the Democrats in this year's election but they are yet to announce the VP.

There are risks in announcing names for certain roles, especially too early. The PF have proven to be brutal and highly corrupt. They engage in bribery, threats and violence. They are so desperate to retain power that they will do anything. Look at what they've done to Prime TV.

Imagine what they would do to Mrs. XXXX who currently runs Company X, and she is announced as future Minister of Lands. She would be victimized by threats, false propaganda, violence and even loss of business. Politics in our country has become evil and we want to change it.

We are often arrested and blocked from meeting people in communities. They send thugs to attack us and even ensure ZESCO cuts the power when we are featuring on radio or TV. We are dealing with desperate people but we will defeat them!

It is in such an atmosphere where one must be very strategic and careful. Timing is very important. I can assure you that Hope and Help is on the way and we will deliver a government that exceeds your expectations. Thank you for reading through this thread.