By Venus N Msyani
It is becoming clear that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government is plotting to mute the opposition in Zambia. If they succeed it will be the end of genuine checks and balances.
In the article Defending the opposition in Zambia democracy didn’t end with August 12 UPND victory it was argued that strong opposition is needed for every democracy to succeed. This article is a continuation of that.
Strong opposition breeds genuine checks and balances for democracy to grow. We must continue defending.
On August 12th last year, the Patriotic Front (PF) party lost the presidency not the right to offer checks and balances on the current government.
It appears the new dawn administration believe last August the former ruling party lost the right to offer checks and balances as well.
Reported by Lusaka Times, UPND Ndola District Media Secretary William Sitali argues that what PF is pointing at in terms of failures to UPND are their own failures.
Because PF failed to deliver in 10 years, Mr. Sitali feel the immediate former ruling party, which is also the main opposition at the moment, is not eligible to criticize the UPND Government.
The Chief UPND government spokesperson Chushi Kasanda holds same view. Recently she was quoted saying the former ruling party PF should not even have the guts to open their mouths because they destroyed the country.
An implication that the UPND administration want the opposition mute. In other words, only those who are supporting the government of the day should speak.
They seem ready even to tarnish the image of the military. On Monday, April 4, 2022, the opposition Economic and Equity Party (EEP) leader Chilufya Tayali was arrested few hours after holding a press conference to offer checks and balances. He has been charged for the offence of inciting to mutiny.
Have no much information about Zambia military but one sure thing is that it is among the most disciplined militaries in the world. It is a fact that can not be disputed by anyone.
Believing that a simple citizen can manage to seduce Zambia’s military is tarnishing the image of our military. Our military has not gotten to that low level.
It seems to be a scheme to create a democracy of no checks and balances through the fear tactics. If convicted, Tayali could face up to life imprisonment. No Zambian would want that to happen to him or her.
Anyway let me conclude with a question, why did Tayali arrest wait for a press conference?
Fat Matambo has told us that Upnd will rule Zambia until Jesus Christ comes. This says volumes. They fought PF not on behalf of Zambians but on their behalf…so that they can have flags on their cars, eagles instead of ordinary registration number on their car.
“……Have no much information about Zambia military but one sure thing is that it is among the most disciplined militaries in the world. It is a fact that can not be disputed by anyone….”
You are a dreamer………..
Why is there corruption even in the Zambian defence forces if they are the most disciplined ??????
Definitely, kapoyongo can never tell anyone about freedom of expression ……..
And lungu can not tell anyone about cader violence………..
And chikawanda can not tell anyone about over borrowing………..
Really laughable, out of all diverse views from well meaning Zambians including academicians whose criticisms are constructive and positive, how can Musyani claim Zambia is trying to create a democracy of no checks and balances. How come the other critics, even more fierce critical than the impending Tayali jail fly have not been arrested. Wait Zambians will respond and have began to respond on behalf of the president insulted daily by those Musyani is supporting.
Venus N Msyani, who told you that checks and balances means insulting, or that it means revealing sensitive information or indeed inciting people, people should not misunderstand checks and balances. Some people insult leaders in the name of checks and balances, others become just mischievous for nothing to attract attention in the name of checks and balances. Freedom of expression is not absolute, neither are the checks and balances. You need to be careful before you open your mouth.