By 
Several opposition political parties, notably the Socialist Party, New Heritage Party, and Golden Party of Zambia, have accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of adopting a dictatorial governance style that threatens Zambia’s democratic values.
Speaking at a joint press briefing held on Wednesday at the Zambia We Want Party Secretariat in Lusaka, the opposition leaders alleged that the UPND government was deliberately weakening opposition voices through intimidation and human rights violations, including the incarceration of opposition leaders on what they claim were fabricated charges.
The coalition, which also included the United Liberal Party (ULP), Zambia We Want, and a United Independence Party faction, expressed concern that the government was steering the country toward a de facto one-party state.
They called for renewed commitment to constitutional principles and the preservation of multi-party democracy.
New Heritage Party leader, Chishala Kateka, challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to fulfill his public call for political dialogue, which he made during the funeral of opposition leader Edith Nawakwi.
“We thought it was important to give the President the benefit of the doubt on his call for dialogue before holding this press briefing. To date, nothing has come. So we ask—was he sincere?” Kateka asked.
ULP leader, Sakwiba Sikota, echoed similar sentiments, accusing the President of making disingenuous calls for dialogue while suppressing dissent.
“The President’s call for political dialogue was not genuine. His words do not align with his actions. We are witnessing a clampdown on the opposition,” Sikota said.
He demanded an immediate end to intimidation and harassment of opposition leaders and called for inclusive political engagement.
Socialist Party leader, Dr. Fred M’membe, Golden Party president Jackson Silavwe, and New Congress Party leader Pastor Peter Chanda also condemned political persecution and pledged to work together in the Lumezi Constituency by-election.
“As a united front, we shall field one candidate for the Lumezi by-election and we are confident of victory,” M’membe said.
In response, UPND media team member, Cosmas Chileshe, said the opposition had failed to seize the opportunity for meaningful dialogue, insisting that President Hichilema had extended an olive branch at Nawakwi’s funeral.
Speaking at a separate media briefing in Lusaka, Chileshe said the President had delivered on key promises, including the enactment of the Access to Information law and implementation of cyber laws that protect journalists.
“The President genuinely called for dialogue. I urge the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue to take the lead in this process with other stakeholders willing to move forward,” Chileshe said.
He added that the opposition was resorting to propaganda out of fear of losing the 2026 general elections.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments