The opposition Socialist Party has reneged on its earlier decision to hold a rally in Lusaka this weekend despite the police’s readiness to offer security.
According to Zambia Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale, the party has “willingly withdrawn” its planned rally, which was scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Chawama – Misisi ground in Lusaka.
“The withdrawal notification was received before police in the area could conclude the security assessment,” Mwale said.
He said the police were ready to police any public gathering or procession and we look forward to maximum cooperation from all citizens as “we strive to nurture our young democracy.”
The notification to withdraw the rally is contained in a June 24 letter signed by the party’s National Youth Spokesperson, Stanley Muba’sa.
On his Facebook page, Muba’sa did not disclose the reasons for the cancellation, stating only that it “has been necessitated by unforeseen circumstances”.
Opposition politicians have long complained about their inability to gather and engage with the public through rallies and other such processions. The Citizens First and United Kwacha Alliance held their rally on June 22 in Kitwe.
Therefore, it seems ironic that now that the police are allowing them to hold the meetings, the parties have started failing to convene their widely publicized gatherings on their own.
