2019 REFLECTION:NDC CALLS IT A NON-DEMOCRATIC YEAR AS PF DESCRIBES IT AS SUCCESSFUL POLITICAL YEAR

National Democratic Congress party in north western province has described 2019 as a non-democratic year but hopeful that 2020 will be a good year for political parties especially the opposition to thrive in their quest to provide checks and balances to the government.

NDC North Western Province chairperson MARK KALEMBA has told Solwezi radio news today that most opposition political parties were not able to speak freely on various issues bordering on the interests of the national.

He said the patriotic front government did not provide a conducive environment for all stakeholders to thrive and save the country with one common goal.

Mr Kalemba has also observed that in 2019, as a party they were able to see some forms of dictatorship as most of those who spoke the against the works of the government were being silenced in various ways.

He adds that government came up with programs which were only for the benefit of those in power citing the hosting of the national dialogue forum.

However, Mr Kalemba says hope is not lost, he is optimistic that 2020 will be a different year.

He is hopeful that the political environment will be conducive for both ruling and opposition political parties to thrive and work together towards a common goal.

Meanwhile, patriotic front, north western province chairperson JACKSON KUNGO says 2019 had both its challenges and successes.

Mr Kungo was quick to mention that in 2019, the country experienced a n umber of economic challenges citing the depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the united states dollar, loadsheding which led to an increase of prices various goods and services.

However, Mr Kungo says 2020 has come with good tidings as most of the challenges seem to be cautioned.

He adds that the loadsheding has reduced which may reduce even further due to the interventions government has put in place.

Mr Kungo further mentioned that going into 2020, as they party they will not only look at the coming 2021 general elections they will engage all stakeholders to work together to develop Zambia especially north western province.

He has called on people of north western province to ensure that the peace continues which the country has enjoyed the previous years.