Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
FODEP Acting Executive Director Mweenge Chimfwembe
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has urged the Patriotic Front government to promote and protect the universally recognized rights of freedom of expression and association, enshrined in the Bill of Rights in the Zambian Republican Constitution.
And the organization has demanded for an enabling environment for public participation in governance of the nation by all even when their views may not be liked by those in the ruling party.
FODEP Executive Director Mweenge Chimfwembe tells QFM News in a statement that the ability to exercise these rights, free of intimidation and penalty, is critical to enable the Zambian people to hold government officials accountable and for political players to organize and communicate with the public.
Mr. Chimfwembe has noted with great concern that there appears to be a systemic growing trend of curtailing freedom of expression particularly divergent views – be it on online media, TV and Radio, or Newspaper.
He says political and civil rights should not be curtailed under the pretext of maintaining law and order.
He adds that political players have a constitutional right to interact with their supporters share their ideologies and indeed express divergent views on the government that is how democracy operates.
The FODEP Executive Director says Article 60 of the amended republican constitution guarantees this right.
Mr. Chimfwembe has since called on the government and State functionaries such as the Zambia Police to allow all Zambian citizens to enjoy their constitutional fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression.