Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has called on the Patriotic Front government to promote and protect the universally recognized rights of freedom of expression and association, enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the Zambian Republican Constitution.
In a statement, FODEP Executive Director Chimfwembe Mweenge said the ability to exercise the said rights, free of intimidation and penalty, is critical in enabling the Zambians to hold government officials accountable as well as political players.
Mr Mweenge expressed concern at what termed as “a systematic growing trend of curtailing freedom of expression especially those with divergent views.”
He said the systemic growing trend of curtailing freedom of expression particularly divergent views for online media, TV and Radio, Newspaper.
The FODEP Director noted that political and civil rights should not be curtailed under the pretext of maintaining law and order.
He said political players have a constitutional right to interact with their supporters to share their ideologies and to express divergent views on the government operations.
Mr Mweenge noted that Article 60 of the amended Republican Constitution guarantees freedoms.
He was commenting on the recent detention of a Muvi TV reporter who was covering the UPND leaders when police blocked them from appearing on radio Mano in Kasama.
“It is not expected that we shall always agree on national matters but the difference in ideologies and opinions is what makes a healthy democracy. Zambians remain opposed to the one party dominion and monopoly over the governance system.” He said
Mr Mweenge pointed out that the right of opposition political parties to share their views and contribute to the provision of checks and balances on the government should be respected.
“The continued use of Zambia police officers to unlawfully break up meetings of rival political parties as was witnessed in Kasama when police ordered Radio Mano to cease the broadcasting of a live paid for meeting of the UPND is a national embarrassment on our democratic credentials. And should be stopped forthwith,” he said.
He has called on the ruling PF government and State functionaries such as the Zambia Police to allow all Zambians to enjoy their freedoms of assembly, association, and expression.
Mr Mweenge said an enabling environment for public participation in governance of the nation by all even when their views may not be liked by those in the ruling party is what is required.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. It also underpins most other rights and allows them to flourish. The right to speak your mind freely on important issues in society, access information and hold the powers that be to account, plays a vital role in the healthy development process of any society,” He noted.
I am waiting for PF blind supporters to comment. Sometimes it’s interesting to read low level comments from these people.
Realist, I neither PF nor blind and I can distinguish the difference between free speech and libelous speech. If you go on radio and encourage people to rise against a government that is abusing your freedom. Personally I feel free, move freely, assemble freely, drink freely, discuss issues freely. Bwana dare any government in the world you’ll end behind bars.
And why rate other people’s comments as low? What makes you think that what contribute makes more sense than others? Don’t be oppressive.
A South African student Mcobo Dlamini has been detained and denied bail for breach of peace at university. He’s going to miss the exams which have started.
There is no freedom of speech in Zambia anymore. We are in dictatorship. Back to one party rule ideals.