“We Are Ready to Fill Prisons”: Lubinda Dares Government

Given Lubinda has declared that opposition leaders are prepared to face arrest if authorities continue detaining critics of government, signalling a firm stance from the former ruling party amid rising political tensions.

Speaking in response to recent arrests involving opposition figures, Lubinda said the threat of imprisonment would not silence political leaders who intend to continue raising national issues.

“We are ready to fill the prisons,” he said.

His remarks came during a period in which several opposition figures have faced police action following statements on national political developments. According to the Patriotic Front acting president, detention will not stop leaders from expressing views they believe reflect the concerns of citizens.

He said political competition requires space for strong criticism and open engagement among competing parties. Without that space, he argued, democratic participation would lose its meaning.

Lubinda maintained that opposition voices represent citizens who expect leaders to question decisions made by those in power. Speaking on the role of political actors in a democracy, he said criticism of government decisions forms part of the responsibility carried by those who serve in public life.

His comments follow a series of developments in which law enforcement agencies have intervened after statements by political leaders were alleged to breach existing legal provisions. Opposition figures have argued that such actions amount to restrictions on criticism of government.

Authorities have maintained that police and investigative agencies apply the law whenever complaints arise or when public statements are believed to violate legal provisions. Government representatives have consistently stated that legal standards apply equally to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

Lubinda said the opposition would not withdraw from raising issues affecting the country even when doing so leads to legal scrutiny. According to him, leaders who occupy positions within political parties must be prepared to defend democratic space when they believe it is under pressure.

The Patriotic Front, which governed Zambia from 2011 to 2021, has continued rebuilding its political structures following its electoral defeat. Since leaving office, the party has sought to remain visible within national political discussions while preparing for the next election cycle.

Within that process Lubinda has emerged as one of the most prominent voices in the party’s leadership structure. He frequently comments on national developments and often responds to statements or decisions issued by government officials.

Political engagement across Zambia has increased as the country moves closer to another general election. Public meetings, press briefings and online platforms have become active spaces where political actors present positions and critique rival parties.

During such periods of heightened political activity, law enforcement interventions have occasionally followed statements that authorities believe may contravene legal provisions.

Opposition leaders have argued that arrests involving political figures risk narrowing democratic space by discouraging open criticism. Government officials have countered that investigative agencies operate strictly within the law when responding to complaints or potential breaches.

Lubinda said opposition parties will continue to use legal channels to challenge actions they consider restrictive. He said the right to organise, mobilise and communicate with citizens remains fundamental within Zambia’s constitutional framework.

In explaining the position of the opposition, he said political leaders sometimes face personal risk when raising issues they believe affect public interest. Historical experiences in various democracies, he said, show that dissent often carries consequences for those who challenge authority.

Zambia’s legal framework contains provisions relating to public order, defamation and national security. Law enforcement agencies operate within this framework when investigating complaints arising from public statements or actions. When disputes occur over interpretation of those laws, the courts serve as the final authority.

Lubinda said the opposition will continue engaging in political debate while remaining within the legal framework of the country. He added that democratic competition depends on the ability of different political parties to present alternative perspectives on governance and national policy.

Despite the possibility of further arrests, he said political leaders will continue raising issues affecting citizens, including economic conditions, service delivery and accountability in public institutions.

Lubinda said the Patriotic Front intends to maintain its role within Zambia’s political discourse as the country approaches the next electoral cycle. The party will continue participating in parliamentary processes, national consultations and public discussions on governance issues.

His statement placed the opposition’s position clearly on record.

If arrests continue, he said, opposition leaders are prepared to face the consequences while continuing to speak on matters they believe are important to the country.