UPND ERODING DEMOCRACY IN ZAMBIA, KALABA TELLS EU

HARRY Kalaba has told the European Union (EU) that democracy in Zambia is being eroded because the UPND government had abandoned the rule of law and are governing the country at their whims and caprices.

Mr Kalaba, the Citizens First (CF) president told the EU Elections Observer Mission delegation currently in Zambia that democracy was under threat because the UPND government was determined to kill the opposition and revert the country to a one-man dictatorship.

He told the EU delegation when it paid a courtesy call on him at his office that President Hakainde Hichilema was heading towards becoming the first dictator in Zambia following the collapse of the one party state in 1991.

The meeting served as a platform for the opposition party to draw attention to the challenges facing the country's democratic processes and to seek support from the EU in addressing these concerns.

Mr Kalaba emphasised the urgency of the democratic situation that he said needed international intervention to safeguard democratic principles and prevent further erosion of democratic institutions.

Mr Kalaba told the EU delegation about the continued violation violations of democratic norms and the impact of high fuel prices on the Zambian populace.

He said the EU should closely monitor the governance situation as it was reflecting growing concerns about the state of democracy and governance in the country.

The meeting with the EU delegation underscored the opposition party's efforts to seek international support in addressing the challenges posed by the ruling party.

“The rule of law in Zambia under the UPND is no longer respected. The opposition political parties are being harassed and their public rallies have been banned while President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND have already launched their campaigns for the 2026 general elections,” Mr Kalaba said.

“Almost all institutions of governance have been compromised and have become an appendage of the governing party. The Electoral Commission of Zambia under the UPND is incapable of conducting free, fair and credible elections because those heading the commission are seemingly active members of the UPND. The Zambia Police has become a tool of political revenge against perceived political enemies,” Mr Kalaba said.