Don’t underestimate how undemocratic UPND is – Akashambatwa Mbekusita Lewanika

LUSAKA – Veteran Zambian politician and revered elder statesman, Akashambatwa Mbekusita Lewanika, has issued a stark caution to the nation, urging citizens and political observers alike not to underestimate what he perceives as the increasingly undemocratic character of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) government. Lewanika, a figure with a long history in Zambian politics and a keen observer of its democratic trajectory, articulated his concerns through remarks delivered by Mubanga Mubanga, suggesting a worrying trend in the country's governance. His admonition comes at a time when Zambia is navigating complex economic and political landscapes. Critics and civil society organisations have, on various occasions, raised questions regarding issues such as freedom of assembly, expression, and the perceived shrinking of democratic space. Lewanika's intervention adds significant weight to these discussions, given his historical role in advocating for multi-party democracy in Zambia and his consistent stance on good governance. His statement implicitly calls for a heightened sense of vigilance from the public and institutions meant to safeguard democratic norms. The veteran politician's perspective is rooted in decades of observing Zambia's political evolution, from the one-party state era to the current multi-party dispensation. His remarks are likely to resonate with those who feel that the current administration, despite its initial promises of restoring democratic freedoms, has shown signs of consolidating power in ways that could undermine the very principles it espouses. Such concerns often revolve around the application of public order laws, the treatment of opposition figures, and the independence of key state institutions. Lewanika's warning serves as a critical reminder that democratic gains are fragile and require constant protection. It prompts a deeper examination of the checks and balances within Zambia's political system and the rol