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New Heritage Party Spokesperson, Aggephrey Brill, has accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of engaging in desperate image-building efforts in the face of its dwindling popularity.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Brill alleged that the UPND was failing to address Zambia’s pressing economic issues, such as the high cost of mealie-meal, fuel, healthcare, and quality education, and was instead focusing on superficial attempts to salvage its reputation in areas holding by-elections, including Petauke.
Brill criticized the UPND’s actions in Petauke, describing them as “lipstick on a pig.”
He pointed to events such as parading people on motorbikes and bicycles, saying this misrepresented the situation on the ground.
“In Eastern Province, bicycles and motorbikes are common modes of transportation for attending meetings, events, and even farming activities. This is not an endorsement of UPND but a reflection of daily life that the party is exploiting for political gain,” Brill said.
He further accused the UPND of distributing branded T-shirts and caps to individuals outside its structures, claiming this was an attempt to manipulate voters through material incentives.
“This is a blatant effort to buy elections by bribing voters with UPND regalia, particularly in areas like Petauke where by-elections are taking place. This strategy amounts to political corruption and undermines democratic principles,” Brill added.
He likened the UPND’s tactics to “bread and circus” politics, arguing that the handouts aim to distract citizens from the critical challenges facing the nation.
“These short-sighted strategies will ultimately backfire. Offering T-shirts and handouts to silence opposition and manipulate voters ignores the real issues affecting the people,” Brill said.
He accused the UPND of using aggressive methods to suppress opposition voices.
Brill called for a focus on addressing Zambia’s economic challenges rather than resorting to what he described as undemocratic and manipulative tactics in by-election campaigns.
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