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President Hakainde Hichilema’s assurance of a free and fair general election has been met with skepticism from some stakeholders who argue that the current political environment remains unfavourable, particularly due to government’s failure to review the Public Order Act.
Democratic Union Party (DUP) President, Ackim Njobvu, said the prevailing climate was allegedly marred by perceived manipulation, reportedly driven by the ruling party, as well as concerns over the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
“We just hope that the words won’t be rhetoric but it will be something that will be real,” a spokesperson said, highlighting alleged irregularities. Njobvu made the remarks in an interview with Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Thursday.
While welcoming the President’s pronouncement, Njobvu criticised the UPND government for alleged voter buying—citing distribution of foodstuffs and alleged purchase of voter cards, particularly during by-elections.
“We have seen a lot of irregularities taking place, driven by the party in power. The party in power should desist from doing that so we can have a free and fair election,” he said.
Advocates for Democratic Governance (ADEG) Executive Director, Gideon Musonda, urged the President to match his pronouncements with concrete actions, including reviewing the Public Order Act and ensuring the independence of the Judiciary.
Musonda argued that the current political environment favoured the ruling party, whose members can allegedly campaign freely even outside the designated campaign period, while opposition parties are allegedly denied the same space.
“The pronouncements must match the actions that are being undertaken by the President, governance institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Judiciary among others,” he said.
He added that opposition members were currently being denied their rights to assemble and associate—rights he said are fundamental prerequisites for free and fair elections.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Economic and Social Welfare Association (ZANESWA) Executive Director, Anthony Lupiya, called on all political players and election-management institutions to exercise professionalism and ensure that rules were applied fairly, regardless of political affiliation.
Lupiya alleged that the current political environment was “toxic” for many citizens who desire meaningful reforms.
“Zambians are losing hope in voting which is very sad. We need to allow the will of the people to prevail in any election. Whoever wins is a win for all of us. As ZANESWA we are calling upon all political players to not use election victories as a way to settle scores with their enemies,” he said.
However, Governance, Elections, Advocacy and Research Services (GEARS) Initiative Zambia Executive Director, Patrick Kaumba, held a contrasting view, arguing that the current political atmosphere was conducive to free and fair elections.
“We have seen political parties campaign in by-elections like the Chawama, Kasama freely and this should be replicated for the August 13 general election. The environment is fair,” Kaumba said.
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