The expectations of many Zambians for an improved standard of living have been high since the new government promised more money for the pockets of the people. As part of their election campaign the Patriotic Front party guarenteed an economic turnaround within 90 days of taking office. This self-imposed deadline has now passed.

By Brian Moonga in Lusaka

Zambia remains plagued with poverty and hunger twenty years after adopting a multiparty system and a more open economy, and despite increased aid and investment. Critics blame the situation on an overly rushed privatisation program which saw over 2000 companies and major employers in the mining sector go bankrupt.
 
Zambia’s new president, Michael Sata, is a former insider of the previous ruling party before leading a decade-long campaign against the former regime. Some of his critics are now arguing that besides the appointing of new officials he has only applied some cosmetic changes.

Election promises... 
“I think any adult knows that this ninety day talk and such campaign promises as reducing the size of government were just gimmicks to gain votes in places like Western Province where his party was unpopular,” said Mulenga Chalwe of Lusaka. Chalwe also laments the continued high levels of corruption and poverty. “Perhaps when the new budget is introduced this April, we might see some changes. But these will be very minor because to change how urban people make a living is very difficult and takes time,” said Chalwe.
 
Within a few weeks of being in power, the Sata-led government appointed new heads for anti-corruption initiatives, instituted a commission of inquiry into the disputed sale of a state-run telecommunications company and continued to accuse the previous government, led by Rupiah Banda, of gross mismanagement and graft.
 
For some, it’s only the beginning to fulfilling Sata's promises of “putting more money” into people’s pockets, fighting corruption and improving the general welfare of Zambians. “I think the adjusted tax threshold is already good for those who earn salaries. People are now able to spend more, and I am already making slightly more than I used to,” said Mulenga Mweshi, a local grocer in Lusaka. He is hopeful that the Patriotic Front's promise of improved living standards will indeed materialise, and is also very impressed with the President's anti-corruption stance. “I believe that things will become better, we need to be more accountable and help people who are trying to make it. For example, I need access to loans, but no banker wants to loan money to a simple grocer. I hope that the new government will address this,” said Mweshi.
 
Democracy inaction?
Many critics of the new government are saying that the party should never have lied to Zambians about being able to create jobs for the millions of unemployed youth in just 90 days. “I am glad I am not in a UPND-PF pact government because it is failing to deliver development to the people. At the rate we are going as a nation if I was in this government I would have resigned,” said Hakainde Hichilema, the president of the oppositional United Party for National Development, to a group of journalists in Lusaka.
 
Despite a few visible adjustments by the new government, there are civil society organisations who feel that failing to honour the 90-day promise will damage Zambia's road towards improved democracy. “Politicians must deliver on their promises otherwise citizens will lose confidence in political leaders. This, in turn, results in voter apathy that negatively affects democratic process and governance,” said McDonald Chipenzi head of Foundation for Democratic Process.
 
Zambia's youth participated in the last elections on an unprecedented scale and analysts claim that the “youth vote” helped to propel the ruling party to victory. “Of course as a young person, I expect that I will get a job in one of the new mines, or with some other good employer, so my grocery business can become a side business and not my major source of income,” said Mulenga.