The United Party for National Development (UPND) has issued a statement regarding a statement that was purportedly issued by the Our Civic Duty Association (OCiDA) and circulated by a named opposition political party leader.
According to UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, the party is firmly anchored on democracy and has noted the contents of the so-called statement. Despite the malice and half-truths contained in the statement, the UPND has acknowledged the right of every citizen in a democracy to engage and express themselves on the governance of their country.
“As a party firmly anchored on democracy, we have noted the contents of the so-called statement. Despite the malice and half-truths in the statement we note its contents. As we have always stated it is the right of every citizen in a democracy to engage and express themselves on the governance of their country,” said Imenda.
President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated that the New Dawn administration will not only promote but fulfill the rights of all citizens regardless of political persuasion. In opposition, the UPND advocated for freedom of expression and this they promise to guarantee.
“President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated that the New Dawn administration will not only promote but fulfill the rights of all citizens regardless of political persuasion. In opposition we advocated for freedom of expression and this we promise to guarantee,” Imenda said.
The UPND believes that the country, especially as a young democracy, will only develop if all citizens work together and promote the general good of the country. As demonstrated by the Head of State, the New Dawn is not immune to criticism and the party believes in the collective wisdom of all Zambian people in their diversity.
“We believe our country, especially as a young democracy, will only develop if we all work together and promote the general good of our great country Zambia. As demonstrated by the Head of State, the New Dawn is not immune to criticism as we believe we in the collective wisdom of all the Zambian people in their diversity,” Imenda added.
As a party in government, the UPND will endeavor to listen to constructive criticism from citizens. The UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, has urged all citizens to work together for the development of the country.
“As a party in Government, we shall endeavor to listen to constructive criticism from citizens. We urge all citizens to work together for the development of our great country Zambia,” Imenda said in conclusion.
The statement by the UPND Secretary General comes after the alleged statement by OCiDA was circulated by a named opposition political party leader. The UPND has clarified that it is open to constructive criticism and is committed to working for the development of the country.