The New Dawn Government Refutes Claims Of Shrinking Democratic Space In Zambia

The New Dawn Government has strongly rebuffed allegations that the democratic space in Zambia is dwindling, contrary to the assertions made by some opposition political parties and civil society organisations.

Speaking on ZNBC TV's Sunday Interview, Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe emphatically stated that the democratic landscape in Zambia has not deteriorated during the more than two years of the UPND's administration.

He emphasised that comparing the current state of democracy with the period preceding the UPND's assumption of power is an inadequate benchmark.

Haimbe acknowledged that, as with any administration, mistakes can occur, but he cautioned against equating these errors with a shrinking democratic space.

He pointed out that the baseline for assessing democratic conditions should be established from the point at which the UPND took office.

"If you consider the period before we assumed office and compare it to the present, it would be ludicrous to claim that the democratic space has diminished," Haimbe remarked.

"Suggesting that this UPND administration has seen instances worse than those in the recent or distant past is simply laughable."

Last week, Lusaka lawyer Jonas Zimba asserted that recent events in the country, especially regarding the opposition PF, indicated a shrinking democratic space.

In response, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango expressed her disagreement, stating that she sees no evidence of a shrinking democratic space under the New Dawn Government.