By 
United Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Chairman, Anderson Banda, has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for upholding human rights and fostering a free environment for all citizens.
Banda stated that under the UPND administration, Zambians now had a platform to express themselves freely, with no violations of their rights unless laws are broken.
In a telephone interview with Zambia Monitor in Lusaka on Sunday, Banda dismissed claims that Zambia was descending into a dictatorship, calling such accusations hypocritical.
He warned that spreading unsubstantiated allegations to the United Nations could damage the nation’s economic prospects.
“Reporting the government to the UN without credible evidence harms Zambia’s image, discouraging potential investors,” he said.
Banda also contrasted the current administration with the previous regime, which he accused of silencing dissent and closing media outlets that exercised their right to inform the public.
He claimed that arrests of opposition members had been carried out by law enforcement agencies, with no interference from the ruling party.
This followed calls by the 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.
Nakacinda had emphasized 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.
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