By Chinoyi Chipulu
Operation Young Vote executive director Guess Nyirenda has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to take a clear stance on the issue of infringement on people’s rights, as failure to do so will shrink the civic space.
Nyirenda said the government should prioritize protecting freedom of expression and association and take decisive action to end abuses by police.
He said every person has a right to assemble adding that government’s failure to uphold the constitutional rights of freedom of movement and worship for opposition leaders could lead to voter backlash.
Nyirenda said that if the ruling party was not careful, its rhetoric may not align with the reality on the ground and could cost them in the next elections.
“The political climate is unfriendly to a common Zambian. Today even the church has been evaded by the police, that is unheard of and an abomination. Why should they stop people from worshipping?” he asked.
Nyirenda said the government should know that it’s a privilege to govern hence they should create a good legacy and treat people with dignity.
“They should ensure they take every Zambian as an important citizen,” he said.
Nyirenda said police were de-campaigning the ruling party.
“They must realise that the same police they are using today will be the same police who will deal with them when they are out of office. They must treat Zambians with dignity whether they have cases to answer or not, they are just as important as they are. UPND will risk being a one term government if they won’t listen to this advise,”he said.
He said the UPND must unite Zambians and make sure they enjoyed their rights because their actions were dividing the the people.
“Government is in charge of the police, hence they should tell them to do the right thing and government should come out in the open and tell us if the police work independently. This is not only dividing people on tribal lines but also on religious line,” said Nyirenda.
