Zambians mock boastful UPND
By Mast Reporter
ZAMBIANS have brutally mocked the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) on social media for boasting that it would have surpassed 100 per cent in fulfilling its campaign promises had it not been for “unforeseen challenges”.
The unhappy citizens flocked to the State House sponsored and managed Facebook page Zambian Watchdog to express their disagreement with the self-praise by UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda.
Some of the Facebook users challenged Imenda to list the three quarters of promises his party’s government had fulfilled as he claimed and advised him to admit that the UPND had failed.
The Zambian Watchdog posted a story by Phoenix News under the lengthy headline ‘Batuke Imenda says UPND would have surpassed 100 per cent of campaign promises without challenges’ authored by Chamuka Shalubala.
Phoenix News reported, “UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda says the party would have exceeded 100 per cent of its campaign promises if not for unforeseen challenges. In an interview with Phoenix News, Imenda reveals that according to the party’s internal assessment, the UPND has so far fulfilled nearly three quarters of its campaign promises, a milestone he attributed to resilience in the face of setbacks.
He has cited Covid 19 and last year’s drought as major hurdles that hampered the party’s full delivery over the past three years in government.
Imenda expressed confidence stating that the party was built on a strong foundation and remained committed to delivering on its promises.”
But Facebook users did not agree with Imenda’s self-praise.
They dragged the UPND’s backside over the thorns with brutally candid comments.
“The best remedy for the unforeseen circumstances as forementioned by this gentleman [Imenda] is to plainly just accept that ECL [former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu] and PF [former ruling Patriotic Front] did a very good job while in government…,” Brian Banda commented.
“There is no harm, please. You are dealing with elderly people who are wise and have more experience than your government put together, including your President Hakainde Hichilema…”
Kashimba Kakelamba wrote, “In his [Imenda’s] household, they have surpassed 200 per cent. It’s good he is enjoying.”
Evaristo Malibata commented, “Just to accept that ‘we have failed’ they is no harm, please. You are dealing with elderly people with a lot of wisdom more than maybe you.”
Benjamin Neza advised the UPND to refrain from self-praise.
“They should avoid self-praise. Instead, let the people of Zambia praise them where it’s due,” the user wrote.
Julius Nsofwa had another morsel of advice for boastful Imenda and his equally chest-drumming UPND party and government officials.
He commented, “Running an opposition organisation is different from running the affairs of the country.”
But others were less polite.
“Scammers,” wrote Nachilima while Voice Out Zambia described the ruling party as “deceivers”.
Stephen Mwamba commented, “Just after enacting cyber law these guys are now busy complimenting their imaginary success so that when we oppose they try the same law on us. Twakana ifwe.”
Alan Elv Nyasulu reminded Imenda of the past.
“Someone in opposition said ‘don’t blame the drought. It’s lack of leadership’ but today drought has become an excuse.”
Majority of the 262 commenters (by press time) did not have kind words for Imenda and the UPND for claiming that the ruling party had fulfilled three quarters of the promises it made to Zambians the campaign for the 2021 general election, describing them as failures.
