KASONDE MWENDA CALLS FOR EARLY ELECTIONS
KASONDE Mwenda says President Hakainde Hichilema should call for early general elections because according to him, there has been serious economic decline warranting Zambia to go for the early polls to change government.
Mr Mwenda, the Economic Freedom Fighters president is demanding for early elections on account that Zambia’s economy has collapsed and that the UPND government has failed to find solutions to the economic challenges the country is facing.
Mr Mwenda said in a statement yesterday that the country had faced relentless economic hardships and President Hakainde Hichilema should therefore call for early elections.
“The recent attempt by the Bank of Zambia to inject US$50.3 million into the market to offset Kwacha depreciation is a clear reflection of the incompetence and recklessness of the UPND government” Mr Mwenda said.
Mr Mwenda said the strategy of increasing dollar liquidity on the Zambian market as a means to counter Kwacha depreciation was in fact having a negative effect on the performance of the currency.
He said the approach only fuels the demand for the US dollar, subsequently leading to further Kwacha depreciation. "It is both illogical and unsustainable for the government to continue injecting $50.3 million on a daily basis to meet this escalating demand. Unfortunately, the Kwacha depreciation has worsened to over K27 per $1," Mr Mwenda said.
He said the most effective way to revive the Kwacha’s buoyancy was by addressing the underlying economic fundamentals.
Mr Mwenda said if his party formed Government it would implement policies that comprehensively tackled the economic challenges that the nation currently faced such as giving ownership of resources and productivity back to Zambians.
He said it was clear that the continued economic decline and the inadequate measures taken thus far by the current government had contributed to the degradation of the country.
“The consequences of this economic degradation have exacerbated the already existing hardships, deepened economic distress, and elevated poverty levels that our fellow Zambians are forced to endure. In the interest of relieving the Zambian citizens from these burdens, economic suffering, and heightened poverty, we forcefully call for early elections,” Mr Mwenda said.
He said the UPND government had proven insufficient in effectively addressing pressing issues, and it was now imperative for an immediate change.
“The EFF stands alone as the only political party capable of bringing about the transformative change necessary to restore Zambia to its rightful position. We are resolutely committed to implementing pragmatic and effective policies that foster sustainable economic growth, eradicate poverty, and uplift the lives of every Zambian.”
“We implore all citizens to stand united with us as we march towards a brighter future to restore and take back our beloved Zambia. The time for sweeping change is now,” Mr Mwenda said.