ACTIONAID ZAMBIA CRITICIZES FINANCE MINISTER’S ELECTION WARNING OUTCOME
By Justina Matandiko
ActionAid Zambia Country Director Faides Tembatemaba has criticized Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane’s warning that economic progress could stall if the UPND does not retain power in the August 13th general elections.
Ms. Tembatemaba says such sentiments risk personalizing national development, arguing that Zambia’s economic trajectory should rest on strong institutions, not the fortunes of a single political party.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Ms. Tembatemaba states that in a democratic setup, government institutions are anchored by technocrats who drive policy implementation and ensure continuity beyond election cycles.
She has stressed that the executive is mandated to make decisions, but institutions must outlive political transitions.
Ms. Tembatemaba has since challenged the UPND to be ready to pass on the baton if Zambians decide otherwise in the August 2026 poll, emphasizing that national development should not be tied to one party’s fate.
Her statement follows remarks by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, who has warned that economic progress could stall if the UPND does not retain power in this year’s general elections.
PHOENIX NEWS
If I may ask this lady, what is wrong with the minister appealing to the electorate no to vote in a new political party? Politics is a competition about policies and development programs where everyone is free to campaign for their party. Sometimes there is great wisdom in keeping quiet when we are not sure of what we want to say. Madam, just advise your preferred political party to also freely campaign. it’s a democracy now. The PF dictatorship is gone for good.