The United Party for National Development (UPND) has described the year 2018 as a year full of scandals, bad governance and the worst economic situation for citizens.

But PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri described 2018 as fair in terms of governance, but challenging for women in politics because of social media abuse.

In an interview, Choma UPND member of parliament Cornelius Mweetwa said 2018 was a year Zambians will look back and wished things that took place never happened.

Mweetwa, who is also UPND deputy spokesperson, lamented that the year has seen sharp increase in taxes, toll gates, speed cameras, strict enforcement of rental income tax and health insurance tax.

“The cost of living is escalating, Zesco tariffs going up, fuel prices going up, being the worst in the region, yet we have a government that has been borrowing and borrowing; raising Zambia’s debt ceiling to balloon levels,” Mweetwa said.

“2018 has been a very bad year in terms of good governance because using the Public Order Act (POA), the police who I believe are at the instigation and behest of the ruling party PF, have denied constitutional rights to citizens to enjoy their rights. Go well, 2018.”

He also bemoaned that 2018 was marred by a lot of corruption scandals, amidst heightened citizens’ suffering, people chased from the streets, no rebuilding of City Market and no alternative trading place.

But Phiri described 2018 as fair in terms of governance, but challenging for women in politics because of social media.

“Because of social media, we have been damaged, ridiculed… we have been good example of… you know this social media, the lies, which have been created, which are also trying [to] even destroy our families,” said Phiri.

The PF nominated member of parliament has since urged women in politics to be strong and pray to God for guidance, wisdom and peace in families, further wishing the nation a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2019.