KATEKA ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF TURNING ZAMBIA INTO ‘POLICE STATE’
KATEKA ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF TURNING ZAMBIA INTO ‘POLICE STATE’
New Heritage Party (NHP) president Chishala Kateka has accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) government of turning Zambia into what she described as a “full-blown police state”, alleging that security agencies are being used to silence opposition voices and critics.
Speaking during a radio interview, Ms Kateka claimed that preparations to clamp down on opposition activities began before the August 13 general election.
“The army was psyched way back before the elections, and they were prepared to clamp down on the opposition,” she said.
Ms Kateka also disputed the conduct of the election, alleging that the UPND did not secure victory fairly and accusing authorities of using the military to intimidate voters.
She questioned why the Zambia Army was deployed to polling stations where the ruling party had reportedly lost, saying the circumstances surrounding the deployment still required an explanation.
“To be honest, I did not expect the UPND to win fairly and squarely, but in the manner in which they did things, which included manipulation,” she said.
The opposition leader further warned that the disputed election had left the country deeply divided, arguing that the grievances arising from the polls needed to be addressed.
Ms Kateka also criticised the closure of courts during the period when presidential election petitions were being filed, arguing that the move denied opposition parties access to justice.
She had previously questioned the closure of the courts during the petition period, saying the timing raised concerns because it coincided with the deadline for challenging the presidential election result.
“Can you imagine that an international organisation of lawyers issued a statement on the closure of courts? It paints a very bad picture because investors are watching,” she said.
Her comments come amid continued concerns from opposition figures over arrests and detention following the election.
NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were arrested and later charged with seditious practices under Section 57 of the Penal Code. Police said the two were returned to Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.
The opposition has also continued to call for dialogue over post-election tensions. However, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said President Hakainde Hichilema would not initiate a dialogue process without a formal proposal outlining the proposed participants, issues and structure of the talks.
The Government has meanwhile maintained a different assessment of Zambia’s post-election environment.
At a Zambia-European Union bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela described Zambia as a “beacon of democracy” while urging continued respect for the rule of law.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, who represented President Hichilema at the meeting, led the Zambian delegation. The two sides also discussed strengthening economic cooperation and noted the broadly peaceful conduct of the August elections.
The contrasting positions highlight the continuing political debate over the conduct of the election, the treatment of opposition figures, access to the courts and the need for post-election dialogue.
While Ms Kateka is calling for the country’s divisions and grievances to be addressed, State House has said those seeking dialogue should first submit a formal proposal to government.