Zambia in a deceptive political calmness – Dr M’membe

…warns the silence across the country following the disputed August 13 general elections does not represent national unity, as many Zambians are struggling with the rising cost of living coupled with an environment of fear

By MUBITA KATETE

THE UPND government should try to promote national dialogue and protect democratic freedoms and the deceptive political calm in the country should not be mistaken for public satisfaction, Dr Fred M’membe has warned.

Dr M’membe, the president of the Socialist Party says the silence across the country following the August 13 general elections does not necessarily represent national unity, as many Zambians are struggling with the rising cost of living and the increasing prices of essential commodities.

He said the recent increases in fuel prices and the rising cost of basic goods had placed a heavy burden on ordinary citizens, forcing many families to concentrate on survival.

Dr M’membe said true peace should be anchored on economic stability, social justice and the well-being of citizens rather than merely the absence of political debate.

“For the average worker, silence is not a sign of satisfaction; it is the preoccupation of survival. The silence across the country following the August general election does not necessarily represent national unity, as many Zambians are struggling with the rising cost of living and the increasing prices of essential commodities,” Dr M’membe said.

He said democracy required open communication channels and an environment in which citizens could freely express their concerns without fear.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the closure of courts and detention of political figures, saying such developments had created an atmosphere of unease.

Dr M’membe urged the government to promote transparency and ensure the unhindered operation of public institutions.

“A robust democracy thrives on transparency and the unhindered operation of our public institutions,” Dr M’membe said.

He called on the administration to encourage genuine national dialogue instead of political isolation.

Dr M’membe urged members of the Socialist Party to remain peaceful and law-abiding while strengthening their presence in communities.

He directed ward, district and provincial party leaders to establish communication networks that would enable them to document and peacefully communicate the economic challenges facing ordinary Zambians.

Ends.