…from 2014 to 2021, campaigning in Lusaka and Copperbelt was confined to official campaign period
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has said that the Patriotic Front (PF) never allowed political rallies or gatherings outside the official campaign period in Lusaka and the Copperbelt from 2014 to 2021.
Speaking at a media briefing, Mwiimbu said that under the UPND, not only are rallies happening, but politicians are free to have press briefings and can express themselves through all sorts of media, including podcasts, without harassment as long as they remain within the confines of the law.
He said those talking of a diminishing democratic space are politicking and being malicious.
“A total of 15 political parties held their rallies [on June 22]. 13 political leaders conducted a joint rally while two political parties had separate rallies on the Copperbelt and in Lusaka. Even the former head of state, who issued statements to the effect that he is under house arrest, was seen in Kitwe on Saturday addressing a political rally without any hindrance from the Zambia Police Service or any other person,” said Mwiimbu.
He said contrary to unfounded claims that the government and President Hakainde Hichilema were thwarting opposition public gatherings, the rallies have been failing on account of unresolved technicalities between the opposition groupings and the Zambia Police Service.
“The Zambia Police Service has been assuring us that the moment the opposition groupings play their own part and there are no serious concerns, there shall be nothing to hinder the opposition from holding public rallies,” he said.
He cautioned politicians that while they enjoy their democratic rights and space, they must adhere to the law and desist from making inflammatory statements.
“Our colleagues, instead of addressing issues that are affecting the citizens of this country, concentrated on abusing the President. Very unfortunate. Insults and abusive language were used. We believe that when you have the right to address members of the public you must sell your manifesto, provide checks and balances, and indicate to the nation what alternative policies you have, what alternative solutions you have pertaining to the problems that are dogging the country.”
He reiterated that the democratic space has not diminished under the UPND administration and that, if anything, it has increased.
“You all know that under the previous regime, members of the opposition were not allowed to campaign. I would like to state without fear of any contradiction that from 2014, no opposition political rally was ever allowed to be held in Lusaka and the Copperbelt outside the official campaign period.”
“From 2014 to 2021, you are all aware that the country was being run and managed by the Patriotic Front. No rallies were allowed outside the campaign period in Lusaka and on the Copperbelt. And if the members of the public in the opposition insisted on going ahead with public rallies or processions, they had to wear bulletproof. The police during that time, under the instruction of the government then, could not allow it. And they were brutal.”
