By Angela Moonga
Historian and political commentator Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of instigating divisions in all the three former ruling parties so that none of them can present a candidate for election.
Sushuwa also charged that President Hichilema has placed a moratorium on the registration of new political parties between now and the nomination date, during which period the Registrar of Societies has also been asked not to allow any changes to the registered office bearers.
In a post on his Twitter feed, Sishuwa argued that PF leader Makebi Zulu was en route to South Africa when he was briefly detained at the airport.
”There exists a plan to have him committed to prison for contempt based on a PF-related case that is before another *****-speaking High Court judge named Kelvin Hancubwili Limbani. (Yesterday, a different ***** High Court judge named Conceptor Chinyanwa made a scandalous ruling that defies the law, logic, and common sense in a separate PF case!),” Sishuwa stated. “Someone way up in the Govt called the airport authorities to let him travel on the understanding that he will be sorted out later. That is how he was allowed to exit.”
He charged that several opposition leaders had been earmarked for disqualification from standing for election either through dubious convictions or timed arrests that would ensure that they are in detention during nominations; prevented opposition parties from exercising the right to public assembly even as he himself continues to hold meetings freely; and is inducing many opposition MPs, mayors and councillors to defect to the ruling party to help manufacture evidence of popularity,” Sishuwa stated.
“There are even plans to have the likes of Bowman Lusambo released on bail so that they can help campaign for the ruling party on the Copperbelt.”
He charged that Zambia was on a dangerous path.
”The president is subverting peaceful and democratic means of removing him from office. Unless corrected, this continued disregard for constitutional norms and democratic principles may drive the country towards instability. I do fear for the country,” stated Sishuwa.
