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The President Hichilema-led administration has denied accusations by the opposition other stakeholders that it is engaging in repression, saying the accusations are baseless.
In a statement on Friday, acting Information and Media Minister, Sylvia Masebo, said the government strongly denies the allegations made by opposition political party leaders suggesting that the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration was a repressive regime.
“To the contrary, the UPND government is unwavering in its commitment to upholding democratic values and principles,” Masebo who was also acting government spokesperson said.
She insisted the UPND administration firmly believed in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens, and that any claims to the contrary were without merit.
Masebo labelled claims of oppression and the alleged use of measures detrimental to democracy as baseless and lacking any substantial evidence.
She said the UPND government had consistently demonstrated its dedication to open dialogue, accountability, and transparency in its governance approach.
Masebo regretted that some opposition party leaders had chosen to engage in ‘unfounded’ accusations rather than constructive dialogue.
“We encourage all political stakeholders to engage in healthy and constructive discussions that contribute to the betterment of our nation. Further, government wishes to clarify that it will not tolerate any attempts to break the law with impunity,” Masobo said.
She further said that upholding the rule of law was a cornerstone of democracy and that government was fully dedicated to ensuring that justice prevailed for all citizens.
“Furthermore, government wishes to make it clear that it is resolute in its efforts to create an environment where everyone can express their opinions freely within the bounds of the law. Our commitment to transparency remains steadfast,” Masebo said .
She pledged that the UPND government would continue taking necessary measures to maintain law and order,by ensuring that the rights of citizens were respected and protected.
Masabo was responding to remarks made by some opposition leaders after the arrest of Socialist Party (SP) President, Fred M’membe, on Tuesday for libel.
This led to opposition political parties and other stakeholders roundly condemning the move, describing it as dictatorial.
M’membe critiqued the rising state surveillance, which was partly being enabled by the digital technologies, undermining digital rights and hindering people’s willingness to meaningfully participate in their country’s democratic processes.
The move had continued receiving backlash from the opposition and interested groups accusing government of wanting to use the law to punish political opponents .
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