Opposition deregistration is undemocratic

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:01:27 +0000

The decision by the Registrar of Societies to deregister opposition political parties is detrimental to a young democracy likeZambia’s, says United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema.

And Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) vice President Charles Kafumbo has said democracy is an invitation to all to be part of good governance without discrimination or intimidation.

Speaking in an interview with the  Daily Nation, Mr Hichilema said the Registrar  of Societies was wrong to suggest deregistration of political parties on the grounds of non performance because politics was not only about being in Parliament but also to offer an alternative voice to the people.

“The Africa National Congress (ANC) ofSouth Africawas in existence for over 70 years before it became active position, I see no reason to suggest deregistration of any political party,” he said.

And Mr Kafumbo said the suggestion to deregister political parties based on its  strength to participation in elections was a misdirection as ZDDM was an alternative voice for the people.

“Politics is not just about being in Parliament, but to be a civic movement or platform to offer althernative leadership and voice out about matters of national interest which people are unable to debate,” he said.

He said as a young demoncracy, the country needed active participantion in affairs of governance.

“Political parties play an important role in democracy and good governance of this country,” Mr Kafumbo explained.

The Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki is on record as having suggested that non-perfomance in elections should qualify any political party for deregistation.