‘Time For Change’ - UPND Launch Manifesto
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has today launched its manifesto, with the launch event taking place at Fallsway Events and via Zoom and Facebook Live.
The manifesto was launched under the banner of ‘Time For Change’. Addressing the event UPND President Hakainde Hichilema stated, “Look around you. It is time for change.”
“In a country where there is no oxygen for hospital patients, but ministers are driving expensive cars you know it is time for change. When the government has spent millions on expired drugs and luxury jets bought with taxpayers’ money you know there is a problem and you know that it is time for change,” Mr Hichilema explained.
He went on to say the “PF has no answer to these problems. They inherited a viable economy without a high debt portfolio in 2011.”
“In a nation so rich nobody should be poor. We will not sit quietly while people are hungry, or while people die unnecessarily because there is no oxygen. The money is there. The difference we bring is how it will be utilised,” the opposition leader continued.
“We should be confident that with a clear vision, good policies, sensible economic management, diligence and good business conditions we can change our fate completely. We can fulfil our potential. We can succeed,” he explained.
The manifesto has a strong focus on fixing the economy, creating jobs and reducing the cost of living. According to Mr Hichilema it explains “how we will build this country and the future of our children and grandchildren.”
“Serious leadership is needed,” he counselled calling on citizens to unite and not “see negativity in our differences” but to celebrate them.
The event was attended by various party and Alliance members, with various provincial chairs addressing the audience via the digital platform and musical acts providing entertainment. The UPND’s Chairperson for Economics and Finance Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane also presented, setting out the party’s proposals to rescue the economy.
A copy of the full manifesto is expected to be available on the UPND website shortly.
