Harry Kalaba accuses UPND government of selective justice in Zambia

Harry Kalaba, President of the Citizens First (CF) party, has accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) government of practicing selective justice and fostering political intolerance in Zambia.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Kalaba criticized the UPND for using the courts to challenge elected parliamentary candidates, noting a perceived contradiction with the government’s previous refusal to allow judicial validation of presidential electoral outcomes. He argued this pattern prioritizes political expediency over principle and threatens public trust in the justice system.

Kalaba also raised alarms regarding reports of opposition supporters being detained for up to 14 days without court appearances. Additionally, he cited unverified reports concerning a potential plan to abduct the newly elected Member of Parliament for Mafinga South, Faith Munthali. He noted that these concerns align with observations made by United Nations Special Rapporteurs regarding the shrinking democratic space in the country. Kalaba called upon civil society, faith-based institutions, and the clergy to defend constitutional democracy and national unity.