Zambians have lost confidence in PF and UPND – PNU
Haive Hamududu
Zambians have lost confidence in the existing political parties, president of the newly formed Party of National Unity (PNU) Highvie Hamududu has observed.
In an interview with Zambian Eye Wednesday morning, Hamududu explained that this is evident from the results of the 2016 general elections which produced over 15 Independent Members of Parliament (MPs).
Hamududu who served as Member of Parliament until 2016 for Bweengwa constituency under UPND says Zambians have lost confidence in the two main political parties – PF and UPND.
“The Voters in the 2016 elections send a very strong message by opting not to vote for the political parties but individuals who stood as Independent. The message is clear; they (people) are saying things are not well. This (number of Independent MPs) is unprecedented,” explained Hamududu.
The PNU president charged that people are fatigued with the PF and UPND.
“There is fatigue, people have lost confidence, there is nothing, no message to inspire the masses and if nothing is done the number of Independents will even be higher in the next elections,” he said.
He cited voter apathy as also another indication of voters having lost confidence in the existing political parties. He said people feel it is a waste of time to vote because those offering themselves for leadership are not inspiring.
Hamududu said there is more rivalry between the two leading parties – PF and UPND. He observed that violence, insults and divisive politics is the order of the day, a situation he says cannot be allowed to continue.
He explained that this has caused the birth of a new movement, the Party of National Unity with new ideas and approach towards politics and governance.
“This has caused the formation of PNU which is driven by national unity, inclusiveness and economic development,” explained Hamududu, an economist turned politician with seven years experience as MP chairing various committees in Parliament.
Hamududu explained that the PNU will be a home for all Zambians who feel let down and not inspired by the existing political parties. He said PNU will be inclusive, issue-based and realistic saying it won’t be easy but has to be done.
“We have to push issues and not violence but I know It is not going to be easy but it has to be done by a team of patriotic Zambians in the PNU to preserve the peace and unity we have enjoyed as a country for the last decade,” said Hamududu.
He said the PNU will start making an impact by pushing issues which should unity and develop the country even before it is given a mandate by Zambians to rule.
The formation of PNU was announced on May 2, 2017 and Hamududu as president.
In April, Hamududu resigned from UPND saying he wanted time to reflected on how he could effectively contribute to the national development.