Again, ruling UPND alleges plot by opposition PF to sell falsehood to Zambians in order to tarnish govt’s image

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) of orchestrating a scheme to discredit the government as a means of reviving its political fortunes.

UPND Secretary-General, Batuke Imenda, alleged on Tuesday that the PF had mobilised its structures and influencers to propagate misinformation about human rights in Zambia.

Imenda’s statement echoed remarks by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, who recently dismissed claims of a shrinking democratic space as falsehoods.

“The PF is peddling lies about the state of democracy in Zambia. This approach to politics is deceitful, fraudulent, and aimed at dragging the country back to the dark years of Edgar Lungu’s autocratic rule,” Imenda said.

He emphasized that the UPND remained committed to genuine democracy rooted in the rule of law, principles the party upheld both in opposition and now in government.

“There is no departure from our commitment to democracy and human rights. The UPND is the chief defender of human rights in Zambia, having endured the worst abuses under the previous regime,” he stated.

Imenda reminded Zambians of the arbitrary arrests, injuries, and alleged killings of UPND members under Lungu’s administration, describing it as the cruelest period for human rights in the country’s history.

“Zambians still bear the scars of those abuses, which are aggravated by every reckless statement or scheme by the PF. That dark chapter is well-documented and serves as a reminder of why Zambians overwhelmingly voted for change,” Imenda said.

He called on Zambians to remain vigilant against disinformation, urging them to focus on the UPND’s efforts to foster equality, justice, and a hopeful future for all.

Imenda was responding to Tonse Alliance Secretary-General, Raphael Nakacinda, who urged the visiting United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Speech, Irene Khan, to engage with all stakeholders, including opposition political figures, during her stay in Zambia.

He told journalists at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court on Monday that the 10-day visit provided ample time for Khan to interact with Zambians and gain a comprehensive understanding of the state of freedom of expression and speech in the country.

Nakacinda, who is also Secretary-General of the Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF), claimed that citizens’ rights to free speech and expression were being systematically abused and urged the UN Rapporteur to document these concerns.

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