Hichilema’s Campaigns: Running but Nowhere to Hide!

Dr. Fred M’membe warns that President Hichilema’s early campaigns, driven by desperation and state power, are only hastening his political downfall.

By Mpandashalo Mwewa.

Lusaka, Mar. 22 – Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of launching illegal early campaigns ahead of the next general elections. In a statement, Dr. M’membe described these actions as desperate attempts to cling to power, arguing that they undermine democratic principles. He further alleged that the President was using state resources and official visits to provinces to hold political rallies disguised as development tours.

Also Read: Hichilema Breaches Constitution: LAZ Sues to Oust ‘Illegal’ Auditor General! Dr. Ron Mwambwa is 66 years old – well past the constitutional age limit of 60 for the Auditor General. Yet, in a move that defies both logic and legality, President Hichilema went ahead and appointed him anyway!

Dr. M’membe criticized President Hichilema for using these platforms to spread misinformation about his opponents. He also accused the Head of State of reviving a constitutional amendment agenda that had previously been rejected, warning that such maneuvers could backfire.

According to Dr. M’membe, the urgency behind the constitutional changes was unnecessary and should be postponed until after the elections to allow for broader consultation.

The opposition leader further alleged that President Hichilema was ignoring advice from key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, opposition parties, and religious bodies such as the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ).

He claimed that the President’s governance style had led to increased political repression, including blocking opposition rallies and misusing state institutions to silence dissenting voices.

Dr. M’membe also painted a bleak picture of Zambia’s economic situation, asserting that it had worsened under President Hichilema’s administration. He argued that despite the President’s efforts to mobilize support, public frustration over economic hardships had grown, making re-election unlikely. He maintained that Zambians were increasingly seeking new leadership to address their struggles.

Also Read: Fuel Price Discontent: Kangombe Demands Fair Prices or Open Borders! Sesheke MP Romeo Kangombe challenges the UPND government to either lower fuel prices in Zambia or allow citizens to buy cheaper fuel from Malawi, warning that economic hardships must be addressed.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. M’membe declared that President Hichilema’s fate was already sealed, asserting that no amount of campaigning would reverse the people’s decision. “Tapali ichakwe! (There’s nothing for him here!) Whether he likes it or not, whether he campaigns every day or not, Zambians have already made up their minds,” he said, emphasizing that the country was ready for change.

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