Former UPND vice-president for politics Dr Canisius Banda says UPND’s loss in Mangango constituency is evidence of diminishing fortunes for the opposition and a sign that though citizens might be facing difficulties, they still have confidence in PF.

And Dr Banda says this is a wake up call for the opposition to relook at their campaign methods, instead of using scare tactics and peddling lies.

In an interview with News Diggers! Dr Banda observed that though things were tough, citizens didn’t want to change government because they still had confidence in the ruling party.

“Citizens are saying that things are tough. But though things are tough, we do not want to change the government. We want this same government which is governing today to address our concerns. The loss of that seat by the UPND is evidence of diminishing fortunes for the opposition. That the citizens do not have confidence in the opposition parties. It’s a sign that though citizens might be facing difficulties, they have confidence in the ruling party,” Banda said.

“The confidence the citizens have in the ruling party is ever rising despite many challenges that they may face today. This is a sign that if the opposition continues on this path, 2021 will belong to the PF. The PF are likely to win again.”

He urged the opposition to focus on speaking for the people instead of peddling lies.

“This is a wake up call for the opposition to relook at their campaign methods instead of using scare tactics and peddling lies. Perhaps they should focus on speaking for the people and tackling issues. They were saying that ZESCO has been sold, ZNBC has been sold, ZAFFICO has been sold, the Chinese have taken over Zambia. That’s what the UPND and other parties have been saying, scaring the citizens. Which isn’t working. They must speak the truth,” said Banda.

“For example today, the quantity of money in the citizen’s pockets is less than expected. So the opposition should be focusing on the government putting in place measures to cushion the austerity which is in place at the moment. Speaking on behalf of the citizens.”