New Era Democratic Party leader criticises UPND for unfulfilled promises, deteriorating conditions

Pumulo Situmbeko, leader of the New Era Democratic Party (NED), has accused the ruling UPND of leaving a legacy marred by broken promises and widespread misery for Zambians.

Situmbeko claimed that the UPND government came to power with high expectations, based on a comprehensive 10-point plan intended to transform Zambia.

However, in a statement to Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Monday, she expressed profound disappointment with the administration’s performance over the past three years.

She described the current situation as a “nightmare” far from the “better life” promised by President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.

“One of the most glaring failures of this administration is the persistent and severe load shedding, with families often going for days without power,” Situmbeko said.

She emphasized that the energy crisis had crippled businesses, disrupted daily life and left households struggling.

The crisis had been compounded by the soaring prices of mealie meal, a staple food, plunging many families into unprecedented hardship.

Situmbeko also noted that the prices of essential goods had spiraled out of control, leading to what was now one of the highest poverty levels since Zambia’s independence.

“Another disturbing trend is the selective application of the law and the rampant police brutality that has swept the nation,” she said.

Read More: Party leader, Situmbeko, knocks Hichilema for paying little attention to poverty, mining rights in Parliamentary address

Situmbeko criticised the UPND government for numerous arrests without trial, prolonged detentions, and an alarming rise in censorship and social media suppression.

Instead of fostering democracy and freedom, she argued, the UPND administration had cracked down on dissent, undermining the very rights they pledged to uphold.

“Zambians expected a government that would uphold justice, yet we are faced with a regime that uses its power to silence critics and stifle free expression,” Situmbeko stated.

She called on the UPND to urgently refocus on fulfilling their promises, addressing deep economic challenges, and restoring faith in Zambia’s democracy.

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