WHITNEY MULOBELA CHALLENGES OPPOSITION TO MATCH UPND’S DEVELOPMENT RECORD AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
State House Chief Communications Strategist Whitney Mulobela has called on Zambians to critically examine the manifestos and promises being presented by political parties ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections, arguing that voters must assess alternatives against the achievements recorded under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
In a statement titled “Zambia Decides,” Mr. Mulobela said the upcoming elections would provide citizens with an opportunity to choose leaders at various levels of government, but more importantly, determine which political party is best suited to continue driving Zambia’s development agenda.
He noted that political parties have begun outlining their policy positions and campaign promises, but urged voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and carefully evaluate whether the alternatives being proposed can deliver better results than those already achieved.
“The choices are now clear. Parties have laid out their manifestos. Promises are being made daily. But beyond the crowds and campaign rhetoric, we Zambians must do something harder, dissect these manifestos. We must critically weigh their alternatives against the policies of President Hakainde Hichilema’s government,” Mr. Mulobela said.
He acknowledged that the cost of living remains a challenge for many households but maintained that the government has not only recognized the difficulties citizens face but has also implemented measures aimed at addressing them.
Mr. Mulobela cited several achievements of the UPND administration, including the increase of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to K40 million per constituency, which he said has empowered communities to determine and implement their own development priorities.
He also highlighted the introduction of free education, which he said has enabled more than 2.6 million children to return to school, as well as the expansion of school feeding programmes that now benefit approximately 4.7 million learners across the country.
Mr. Mulobela said the administration has also succeeded in ending political cadreism in markets and bus stations, restoring order and allowing citizens to conduct business without intimidation.
He also pointed to the government’s debt restructuring programme, stating that 94 percent of Zambia’s debt has been restructured while the country’s international credit ratings have improved.
Mr. Mulobela further cited declining inflation, a stabilized Kwacha, the revival of the mining sector and the rebuilding of international reserves as indicators of economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
“This list is not exhaustive. But one fact is, Zambia has turned the corner. The signs of progress are undeniable. Yes, more work remains,” he stated.
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WHITNEY MULOBELA CHALLENGES OPPOSITION TO MATCH UPND’S DEVELOPMENT RECORD AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
