By Isaac Zulu
President Hakainde Hichilema has said that the UPND administration inherited a Zambia where democratic institutions that are designed to provide checks and balances were compromised.
And President Hichilema has said that last year’s general election was an extraordinary display of will power and people’s power.
Addressing the European Union Parliament in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday, President Hichilema observed that the UPND administration inherited a Zambia where freedom of expression, freedom of association and civic participation were curtailed.
“The Zambia we inherited stood on a brink of economic collapse – where corruption, excess and greed of public officials reigned supreme. Shortsighted policies, designed to extract maximum benefit for the few at the expense of the many, were the order of the day. In the Zambia we inherited, freedom of expression, freedom of association and civic participation was curtailed. Our democratic institutions, designed to ensure checks and balances, were compromised, and reduced to mere instruments of dominance for those who held power,” President Hichilema explained. “It is against this background that I stand to firmly attest that the rule of law and respect for human rights are progressively being restored in Zambia. Zambia’s reputation of peace and democracy is a source of great pride, which our administration will continue to protect and safeguard. The peace, stability and unity of our beloved nation is not up for negotiation, at any cost. Our administration will, therefore, ensure that civil society has a conducive and enabling environment to participate in the governance of the country.”
President Hichilema observed that a free media is indispensable to democratic governance.
“We will and have already made significant progress in creating an environment that allows the media is carry out its important work in keeping the public informed, as well as holding government accountable. This is the reason we have constantly reminded both the public and private media of the need for them to demand for editorial independence. A free media is indispensable to democratic governance, and our administration will protect this fundamental principle of democracy and national discourse,” he said. “In this respect, our democracy, going forward, will be built on inclusion, rather than exclusion. Every single Zambian is welcome to participate in governance of our country. It is the right of every Zambian citizen, and our government will lead by listening to the will of the people. These are guarantees in our Bill of Rights.”
The Head of State further stated that the UPND government will carry out extensive legistlative reforms.
“We are committed, as a government, to carry out extensive and far-reaching reforms that will have a positive effect on our governance institutions and mechanisms. As part of these reforms, and in reponse to the extensive recommendations by the European Union observer mission and others, our government will undertake significant electoral reforms that will tackle inherent weaknesses in the legislative framework, and address the structural limitations that the Electoral Commission of Zambia faces. This includes enhancing independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, where transparency is guaranteed, to ensure a level playing field across all tiers of political participation,” said President Hichilema. “We will also tackle components of the Public Order Act, which have unfortunately, been abused by previous administrations to limit the civic space and prevent civil society and political parties from carrying out their activities.”
And President Hichilema has said that last year’s general election was an extraordinary display of will power and people’s power.
“In Zambia’s general elections held last year in August, the Zambian people demonstrated remarkable strength and resolve in their determination to preserve Zambia’s democracy by voting out of office the Patriot Front government, the government then,” said President Hichilema. “It was an extraordinary display of will power and people’s power, in the face of economic hardship and political intimidation only comparable to the 1991 election that saw the removal of UNIP. It was not merely an election, but a call to action. A call for change! The youths, who made up 56% of registered voters, were at the heart of this change. They showed leadership, courage and determination at a time when Zambia needed those qualities the most. On a continent where, far too long, elections turn violent, the peaceful transition of power following the elections, showcased the resilience and maturity of Zambia’s democracy. This is what Zambia is known for. This is who we are. May this continue to be Zambia’s legacy. As we continue to reflect on this achievement, I wish to once again express sincere gratitude to the European Union, who together with others deployed a physical electoral observer mission, led by Honourable Member of this House, Ms Maria Arena. The observer mission was a continuation of the long-standing commitment by the European Union to supporting Zambia’s democratic process. On behalf of the people of Zambia, I wish to place on record, our deep sense of gratitude to the European Union, who once again demonstrated their commitment to walking alongside Zambia in our quest for development.”
The Head of State further thanked the European Union for its commitment to protecting human rights.
“It is a source of great pride for our country to have been recognised as an exemplary democracy on the African continent, and as a key cooperating partner of the European Union. We thank you for this recognition and we look forward to deepening our engagements and collaboration in the coming years, which should result in tangible benefits for both the people of the Republican of Zambia and the European Union. It is a particular privilege for me personally to address this Parliament following my incarceration in 2017, the European Union Parliament boldly and consistently demanded, not only for my release, but also for the restoration of the rule of law and human rights, through an official resolution,” President Hichilema explained. “The “Resolution of 2017 on Zambia, particularly the case of Hakainde Hichilema” was a mark of true solidarity and real commitment to protecting human rights. I remain indebted to you for standing up for human rights and freedoms, not only for myself and co-accused, but for all the people of the Republic of Zambia in extremely difficult times and circumstances. The people of Zambia thank you for taking a principled position on the promotion of our human rights in our country and Africa.
