CRITICISE US NOW, NOT IN THE BALLOT
According to Mr Mweetwa, who is the Chief Government Spokesperson, crticising government or the ruling party in the past was like signing one’s death warrant as those with the courage to do so would often be harassed by what he termed ruthless political thugs.
He said in an interview that Zambians were able to criticise the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema in all manner and fashion because the drama of critical citizens being harassed by political cadres had been dispensed with under the new dawn administration.
“…all that drama of harassing and beating up citizens with critical voices has been dispensed with and that is why citizens are free to speak. Citizens are free to criticise Government in the management of their national affairs. That should not come as a surprise but as a reminder that itis on track in ensuring the democratic space is enhanced,” Mr Mweetwa said.
“That is the change Zambians voted for. And are you surprised when you have a President who has repealed the law of defamation of the President. President Hichilema’s decision to do away with the defamation of the President law was meant to achieve the exact outcome of free criticism of the government without any fear of police action,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa said the UPND was considering the heavy criticism to be healthy in a democracy and that was why the new dawn administration had created an environment where critical voices were being given space to be heard.
“Critical voices should be given space to be heard, including those we in government may consider obnoxious to our ears. It is necessary to listen to such voices, they give us an opportunity for self-evaluation on where we are and where we stand in relation to the electorates. We do not want to wait and be criticised through the ballot because then it would be too late to effect remedial measures,” Mr Mweetwa said.
And Mr Mweetwa said there was nothing unprecedented for the people and organisations that supported the UPND while in opposition to have become the most fierce critics of the government they helped form.
Mr Mweetwa said in 1991, when Zambia moved from one-party participatory democracy, the MMD suffered a serious breakaway with many of its prominent members moving to form their own political parties because they had realised that what they had agreed upon had not been implemented.
“But all those who are in a hurry to fight a system they helped put in place have failed. Just look at history. In fact, we did not enter into an agreement with those who supported that when we win, they should be banned from criticising us. When you are being criticised by your friends, those who you walked with, there is a greater opportunity for you to check yourself and look at the positives of what they are saying,” Mr Mweetwa said.
He said criticism coming from traditional political opponents was always looked at as just mere politicking but that which came from friends was a reminder that something could be wrong and should be righted.
“Democracy requires that people should be talking to each other. This is a development in the positive. Let me tell you that development is not only registered when you all agree but even when you diametrically differ in opinion. So, anyone who frowns upon criticism should stop participating in democracy,” Mr Mweetwa said.