………..say economic recovery, debt restructuring, free education and youth empowerment form key arguments as supporters seek another mandate…….
By Allan Hook
PROMINENT Lusaka political activists have intensified calls for voters across the country to give President Hakainde Hichilema another mandate in the August 13 presidential election. 
The activists made this call while arguing that economic reforms, debt restructuring, free education and youth empowerment programmes are among key achievements of the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration since taking office in 2021.
International Relations Expert Edgar Silwimba and Politician Chomba Kaoma urged voters to assess President Hichilema’s leadership based on policies and achievements rather than political slogans.
Silwimba noted that while the Government inherited a struggling economy, it has since taken steps to restore stability, rebuild investor confidence and expand opportunities for citizens.
Silwimba said the 2021 change of government marked a turning point after years of economic difficulties, rising debt and governance challenges under the previous administration.
He said President Hichilema’s government had focused on restoring investor confidence, strengthening democratic governance and rebuilding the economy.
“Where we are today is not by chance or mistake, but because there has been a deliberate push and political will to ensure that Zambia regains its strength,” Silwimba said.
He said debt restructuring was among the government’s major achievements, arguing that the process had created room for economic recovery.
“The debt restructuring was not an easy journey, but it was necessary because previous efforts did not provide a solution that was attractive enough to the international community,” he said.
Silwimba acknowledged that the reforms had brought difficulties for citizens but maintained that they were necessary to restore economic stability.
He said the drought exposed Zambia’s vulnerability and highlighted the need for investment in irrigation farming, renewable energy and other measures to strengthen resilience.
Silwimba said government’s focus on irrigation agriculture was aimed at reducing dependence on rain-fed farming and improving food security.
He also pointed to investments in solar energy and other power projects, saying reliable electricity was critical for industrial growth and attracting investment.
“Energy expansion is important because investors need confidence that Zambia has enough power capacity to support industries,” he said.
On education, Silwimba praised the Free Education Policy, saying it had increased access to schooling for children who previously faced financial barriers.
He said bursaries, student loans and skills development programmes had expanded opportunities for young people.
Silwimba also praised the recruitment of teachers and health workers, saying the move had improved public service delivery.
He said Zambia needed more skilled young people, entrepreneurs and artisans to drive economic growth.
“The economy is built by people with skills. We need plumbers, carpenters, technicians and entrepreneurs who can create jobs and grow industries,” he said.
Meanwhile, Political activist Chomba Kaoma said the UPND government’s record in economic management, education and youth empowerment justified another term in office.
He said the administration inherited major economic challenges but had made progress in stabilising key sectors.
Kaoma defended government’s handling of the fuel sector, arguing that the previous administration left behind significant debt despite keeping prices relatively stable.
“Under the Patriotic Front, fuel prices were relatively stable, but at what cost? The debt in the sector had ballooned to almost US$1 billion. Today, despite monthly fuel price reviews, government has managed to reduce those arrears to almost zero,” he said.
On education, Kaoma criticised the removal of university meal allowances under the previous administration, saying the decision affected vulnerable students and their families.
He defended the Free Education Policy, arguing that increased enrollment showed that more children were gaining access to learning.
“If more children are in school because education is free, then our focus should be on building more classrooms to accommodate them. We should not demonise a policy that is giving children from poor families a chance to complete their education,” he said.
Kaoma also credited increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations with creating opportunities for young people through bursaries, skills training and community projects.
“The increase in CDF has created more scholarships and empowerment opportunities. Every Member of Parliament now has resources to support young people in their constituencies,” he said.
On governance, Kaoma said Zambia had moved away from a period when political cadres allegedly controlled markets and bus stations.
“We came from a period when political cadres had more power than the police. Bus stations and markets were controlled by self-appointed commanders. That should never happen in a democracy,” he said.
He acknowledged that the PF government invested in infrastructure but said voters should also consider the reasons behind the 2021 change of government.
“The Patriotic Front built infrastructure, and today’s government is benefiting from those facilities by employing health workers and expanding services. At the same time, we must honestly discuss the mistakes that made people vote for change,” he said.
As campaigns intensify, Silwimba and Kaoma urged voters, especially young people, to focus on policies, achievements and future plans.
Silwimba said youths should consider programmes such as free education, student financing, skills development and empowerment initiatives when making electoral decisions.
Kaoma urged voters to judge leaders based on performance rather than slogans.
“Do not judge leaders by slogans. Look at what they have achieved, where the country has come from and where it is today,” he said.
Kaoma endorsed President Hichilema’s re-election bid, saying his support was based on the government’s policies and economic direction.
“My endorsement is with President Hakainde Hichilema because of his policies and the economic transformation taking place. Numbers do not lie,” he said.
He also urged political leaders to respect the media’s role in informing citizens.
“The media’s role is to keep the nation informed. Leaders should never label journalists as enemies because their supporters often imitate such behaviour,” Kaoma said.
