Citizens First (CF) Party President Harry Kalaba has condemned what he describes as the selective application of the law and rising political intolerance under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
Kalaba said it was concerning that the UPND leadership had turned to the courts to challenge duly elected parliamentary candidates after allegedly denying Zambians an opportunity to validate the presidential electoral outcome through the courts.
According to a statement issued by CF Presidential Media Coordinator Bangwe Naviley Chisenga, Kalaba argued that the situation reflects what he described as a pattern of political expediency over principle and risks undermining public confidence in Zambia’s justice system.
The Citizens First leader also expressed concern over information alleging a plan to abduct newly elected Mafinga South Member of Parliament Faith Munthali. The claim has not been independently verified.
Kalaba further raised concerns over reports of opposition supporters being arrested and detained for prolonged periods, with some allegedly held for up to 14 days without appearing before a court. He described such developments as an abuse of the justice system.
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He said the concerns raised by the Citizens First Party were consistent with broader concerns about Zambia’s democratic space, including those recently highlighted by United Nations Special Rapporteurs.
Kalaba maintained that the Citizens First Party remains committed to non-violent and democratic politics, equity, justice and the dignity of all citizens.
He called on the UPND leadership to end what he described as hypocrisy in the application of the law and urged authorities to uphold equal standards of justice for all citizens.
Kalaba also appealed to civil society organisations, faith-based institutions and members of the clergy to speak out in defence of constitutional democracy, justice and national unity.
Meanwhile, Mafinga South newly elected MP Faith Munthali has disagreed with former Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu, who reportedly questioned the accuracy of the UN Special Rapporteurs’ assessment of Zambia.
Munthali said the report accurately reflected challenges she had personally experienced. She claimed that three members of her team had been detained in Mafinga without appearing before court and maintained that there had been selective application of justice, particularly against people holding opposing views.
The claims made by Kalaba and Munthali represent their stated positions, while allegations of abductions, unlawful detention and selective justice should be independently verified and, where applicable, determined through the appropriate legal processes.
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