Dangerous Election Promises

Hikaumba says unfunded campaign pledges risk Zambia's economic stability, urges voters to scrutinise promises ahead of the August 13 polls.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – 25-07-2026 -- Former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has criticised presidential candidate Brian Mundubile's campaign promises, describing them as unrealistic and economically unsustainable.

Hikaumba who questioned how Mundubile would finance pledges to provide excavators to marketeers, 10 bags of fertiliser to every farmer, free books for all pupils and make youths millionaires said while the promises may appeal to voters, they lacked clear funding mechanisms.

"You cannot run a household, let alone a nation, on empty rhetoric," Hikaumba said.

He argued that leaders should explain how they intend to finance their commitments before making promises to the public.

Hikaumba accused Mundubile of failing to provide clear answers when asked how the proposed programmes would be funded.

"When he is asked where the money will come from, he has no answer. That is an insult to the intelligence of the Zambian people," he said.

He warned that implementing unfunded promises could reverse the country's economic progress and place further strain on public finances.

Using a fable, Hikaumba likened unrealistic promises to a pesticide that kills both pests and those who support its use, saying voters should avoid decisions that could harm the country's future.

Hikaumba praised President Hakainde Hichilema's administration for pursuing fiscal discipline, debt restructuring and investment attraction, saying those measures were aimed at building long-term economic stability rather than offering unrealistic campaign pledges.

He urged Zambians to support leadership based on credible economic policies and sustainable development ahead of the August 13 general election.