Opposition Aspiring Presidential candidate and lawyer Makebi Zulu accused the United Party for National Development government of governing through fear during remarks on Zambia’s political climate, arguing that democratic leadership must allow citizens to express political views without intimidation.
Zulu said the exercise of political authority should strengthen democratic participation rather than create conditions that discourage citizens from speaking openly about national affairs. According to him, leadership in a constitutional democracy carries a responsibility to protect freedoms guaranteed under the country’s laws.
The lawyer said political participation must remain central to the country’s democratic system. He stated that governance should create an environment where citizens are able to contribute to national discussions and engage with public policy without hesitation.
Zulu made the remarks while addressing issues of governance and political accountability. His criticism adds to the ongoing exchange between opposition figures and the ruling party regarding leadership style and the tone of national political engagement.
Government officials have rejected claims that democratic freedoms are being undermined. Leaders within the UPND administration maintain that Zambia continues to operate within a constitutional framework that protects political participation and freedom of expression.
Since assuming office in 2021, the government has emphasised economic recovery and institutional reforms as key priorities. Authorities frequently point to initiatives such as free education, fiscal reforms and infrastructure development when outlining the administration’s policy record.
Public political debate between governing parties and their challengers is a common feature of multi-party democratic systems. Zambia’s political environment has historically included strong exchanges between political actors representing different perspectives on governance and national development.
Zulu said leaders must ensure that the exercise of power respects the principles contained in the Constitution. He said democratic institutions function effectively when citizens trust that their rights will be protected regardless of their political position.
Political statements from both governing and opposition figures often form part of broader strategies aimed at shaping public opinion. Such exchanges also signal how parties intend to frame national issues as they engage voters in discussions about leadership and governance.
Government representatives have said their focus remains on implementing reforms designed to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery. Officials argue that programmes introduced since 2021 demonstrate a commitment to building a stable economic and governance environment.
Political competition typically intensifies as parties begin preparing for future electoral contests. Public statements from political actors therefore often reflect efforts to communicate policy positions and leadership perspectives to citizens across the country.
Zulu said democratic governance requires leaders to demonstrate respect for constitutional principles in both policy decisions and political conduct. According to him, political authority must reinforce institutions designed to safeguard citizen rights.
Government leaders have continued to defend their governance record by highlighting development programmes implemented across various sectors. These include infrastructure projects, economic reforms and social programmes aimed at improving public services.
The exchange between Zulu and the ruling party illustrates the continuing contest between political actors seeking to define the national narrative around governance and leadership.
Makabi tell the nation your political structure instead of talking about cheap issues which everyone knows.
1. Who will be your running mate? Have you been endorsed by PF as their presidential candidate?
2. How will you govern, create employment, revive our economy..
3. Electricity.. what ideas do you have to migrate from hydrogen => wind powered.. Bioengineered ??
Firstly he is not Makabi but Makebi. He will reveal his plans at some point but I think it will be better than salt sana. What salt sana when people have continued to live in deep squalor and poverty ever since you took over government.
Makebi Zulu, chindele sana sana.
Makabi, is dirty.
Komboni talk like salt sana, favor etc just makes opposition worse. So meaningless.
Wow……Governing through fear. ???
Makebi should know about fear……..
he was the lawyer for the most brutal and corrupt regime in the history of Zambia……..
A honourable person would have resigned that position, a position of watching and protecting the thugs and thieves who abused Zambia………
FWD2041
You’re 1000% right. Makebi Zulu, the man with a heart of a stone thinks Zambians are stupid and have a short memory.
Let’s not pass judgement until this regime has vacated the throne
Talking about being honourable ?? should one out of his depth not consider that option as well ?
Makebi Zulu is the cursed Zambian, he put on himself and the great misery is yet because he has refused to repeat and come clean.
RSA and GRZ are looking into him.
Look at this joker always scribbling labish. Makebi is 1000% smarter than your failed man. UN Human rights rappoteur Ireen Khan said your human rights are in sixes and sevens. Can’t you get that over your greasy head
This Nkana chap must be a serious dandala head. How can he say Makebi is cursed when his government has failed. Where is K12 fuel, where is K50 mealie meal, where is K250 fertiliser, CDF is an MMD program, Free education is a UNIP program.
@Anti llliets, Mufwile ukusamba so that youe thinking can improve.
@Saddam Hussein Boulevar.You are a big joker here.only You suffering from severe ignorance’. PF was just a group of criminals.There was no peace in Zambia.Pople died yet we have idiots like you clapping.IMBECILE
They looking into the wrong person if you must know
PF left breakfast mealie meal at K130 and roller meal at K90. Argue with the prices, not me
Please engage in a fundamental analysis of the economics of demand and supply. Are you truly unaware that there has been a lack of rainfall in recent years? Do you understand the production cost of a bag of fertilizer necessary for creating a bag of mealie meal? Consider cultivating your own maize to obtain affordable mealie meal.
@Saddam Hussein Boulevar, @Anti Illiets, @Tikki, mwe bonse mulesakamika amano yenu ayanono.
It is one person……the inadequacy of this guy there for all to see
There will be no tulyemo ba musasa mpolo.
There was more fear under PF than there is now but makebi wouldn’t know that since he was busy sitting in his huge ministerial air conditioned office sipping tea while people on the street were scared to even wear anything red.
Clamering for the price of basic commodities to be PF regime prices really shows the basic human instinct of those that support the PF.
These guys were mismanaging the country left, right and center.
How do you think the ECL family is sustaining itself in SA? How did the son acquire 79 vehicles? How did Malembe Malembe get money for his instruments? Apparently ECL took cash to him personally and he openely says so on Diamond TV.
I am not UPND however, we have some semblence of accountability, peace and order. We dare not go back to the PF mess.
Makebi supports the mess and hence his desire to bring it back.
Where was this Make a BS story Zulu when PF was abusing power and illegally defying court orders that Rupiah be Given back his passport to travel?