Opposition Criticised for False Claims of Rally Restrictions

Opposition political parties in Zambia have come under fire for making unfounded allegations that police are preventing them from holding public rallies, when in reality they have been granted permission but failed to proceed with their planned events.

Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has dismissed claims by opposition figures that they are being deliberately blocked from holding rallies, revealing that multiple instances exist where opposition parties were given clearance but subsequently postponed their own events.

"These same people who are talking have notified the police, sometimes we give them [a go ahead], they postpone. So, what do you want us to do?" Hamoonga questioned during an interview on Monday.

The police spokesperson's comments come in response to allegations by Socialist Party president Fred M'membe, who claimed that President Hakainde Hichilema was holding rallies whilst preventing opposition parties from doing the same.

Hamoonga explained that under the Public Order Act, the President and Vice President are legally exempted from notifying police before addressing the public, as they hold the interests of all Zambians as heads of state. Opposition leaders, however, are required to notify police as a standard procedural requirement.

"The President does not need to notify the police to address the public. He's the Head of State. He's holding the interest of all the Zambian people. He can go and address the public anywhere," Hamoonga clarified, adding that opposition figures complaining about this arrangement were "expressing ignorance because the law is very clear."

The police spokesperson further revealed a pattern of behaviour where opposition parties notify police of planned rallies, receive approval with alternative dates when necessary due to scheduling conflicts, but then fail to follow through.

"We have given them another day and when the day comes they're just quiet. We're policing, we're not politicking," Hamoonga stated.

UPND Deputy Spokesperson Elvis Nkandu has suggested that the opposition's complaints stem from an inability to mobilise supporters rather than any genuine restriction on their activities.

"They just don't have numbers, some of these political parties are just hiding behind that. They know that they can't even pull numbers to their rallies," Nkandu said, adding that the ruling party had nothing to do with the opposition's organizational challenges.

The revelations raise questions about the credibility of opposition claims regarding political freedoms in Zambia, with authorities maintaining that proper legal procedures are being followed and permissions are being granted in accordance with the law.