OPPOSITION SELLING ‘SECOND-HAND’ POLICIES – HAMASAKA
STATE House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka says the opposition is campaigning on policies already being implemented by the UPND government instead of offering alternative proposals.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Hamasaka said the opposition have failed to develop an original policy platform and have instead relied on slogans, personal attacks and what he described as recycled government programmes.
He argued that in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and public sector recruitment, opposition parties are merely repackaging policies introduced by the New Dawn administration.
Mr Hamasaka said the only proposal he considers unique to the opposition is their suggestion to provide excavators to marketeers.
He further argued that by adopting government policies, opposition parties are effectively acknowledging President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda, adding that elections should be contested on the basis of original ideas rather than, in his view, copied programmes.
And the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) says recent withdrawals by opposition running mates reflect growing disunity within opposition alliances, which it claims were formed without shared principles or a common policy agenda.
UPND deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu said the continued break-up of opposition alliances shows that many of the political partnerships are “cosmetic” and lack a shared vision.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Nkandu said opposition parties have realised that they face an uphill task in the August 13 general election because many Zambians have embraced the UPND government’s policies.
“I think now our colleagues have come to a realisation that indeed what they thought could be a smooth walk in the park is not the case,” Mr Nkandu said.
He attributed the ruling party’s growing support to what he described as pro-poor policies, particularly in the education sector, saying these have earned the UPND endorsements from some opposition figures and ordinary citizens.
Mr Nkandu said while not every beneficiary of government programmes supports the ruling party, the administration respects democratic practice differing political views as part of democratic practice.
His remarks come after independent presidential candidate Given Katuta’s running mate, John Nyirenda, withdrew his candidature.
In a letter dated July 21, 2026, addressed to Electoral Commission of Zambia chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro, Mr Nyirenda said his decision to withdraw was voluntary and followed consultations with his family, friends and traditional leaders.
Efforts to get a comment from Ms Katuta and Mr Nyirenda were unsuccessful. Earlier this week, Ms Katuta said she was unaware that her running mate had withdrawn.
OPPOSITION SELLING ‘SECOND-HAND’ POLICIES – HAMASAKA
