FORMER Home Affairs deputy minister Colonel Panji Kaunda says it is unfortunate that the PF thought they could win votes by simply giving out K100s to voters.

In an interview, Saturday, Kaunda hoped that the new government would give Zambians a new start.

“In my view, I think It is not a loss, I think the country has gained on the PF government. We were supplied with expired drugs, our economy was poor, the morale in the country was down. In my view, I think the PF going is truly a good thing and we are praying and hoping that the new government that is coming in will give us a new start, clear all the debt that PF has gotten, and give us a Zambia that we are proud of and an inspiration to the outside world. So it is not a loss as far as I am concerned,” he said.

“They took Zambians for granted, they thought they owned Zambians. You thought by subduing here and there you won the vote, by giving K100’s here and there they thought they won the vote, what Zambians want is a decent life. So this is a warning to those that are coming into government that please take care of the Zambians. Don’t underestimate the people’s power like the other leaders. We advise HH our brother to look after the people.”

Kaunda, however, advised Zambians not to expect change immediately as it was a gradual process, especially with the current huge debt.

“Some of us were calling for this huge turn out from the word go and that has sent a signal not only to ba Lungu but also to the entire PF government that you underestimate your voters at your own risk. In the end, the people of Zambia honored that attitude. So let this coming government now deliver on what they are promising us and the rest should be easy. Don’t underestimate the people of Zambia, they didn’t go to the streets shouting ‘we want change, we want change’, for nothing, harassed by PF cadres, HH was denied access to go where he needed to go,” said Kaunda.

“Change is a gradual process and just look at the damage that our country has been through. We owe over US$9 billion to the world, we owe the local lenders, so it is going to take a long time for things to turn around. However, with hard work and cooperation and dedication to the cause, I think people must start seeing the change in the new government. It won’t be overnight that is for sure, it might be two years, maybe five years. If the foundation is laid and people are seeing the efforts their leaders are putting, there is a chance for a better tomorrow.”