State House has accused the opposition of failing to present original policy alternatives ahead of the elections, saying its campaign is largely based on programmes already being implemented by the government. In a statement issued to the media, State House Chief Communications…

State House has accused the opposition of failing to present original policy alternatives ahead of the elections, saying its campaign is largely based on programmes already being implemented by the government.

In a statement issued to the media, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the opposition has not offered a distinct vision for Zambia’s development, but has instead echoed government initiatives across several key sectors.

Mr. Hamasaka said the opposition’s campaign messages mirror existing government policies in mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and public sector recruitment, rather than introducing fresh proposals.

He claimed the only notable new proposal put forward by the opposition is the distribution of excavators to marketeers operating in trading places across the country.

Mr. Hamasaka further stated that the opposition had the opportunity to implement its own policies while in government but instead left behind economic challenges, including high debt levels, weakened institutions and reduced investor confidence.

He also accused the opposition of resorting to personal attacks on President Hakainde Hichilema after failing to provide credible policy alternatives.

According to Mr. Hamasaka, by adopting programmes already being implemented by the government, the opposition is effectively endorsing President Hichilema’s development agenda. He added that calls for a policy debate are difficult to justify without a clearly distinct policy platform from the opposition.