Chipenzi says 2017 has been characterized by arrests

MacDonald Chipenzi

Electoral Expert Macdonald Chipenzi says 2017 has been characterized by democratic ills as evidenced from abuses against the opposition.

Mr. Chipenzi says the country witnessed mass arrest of opponents, political asylum seekers, political refugees which has never happened in the last 20 years.

He has attributed this due to the delay in resolving electoral disputes.

And Mr. Chipenzi has called for serious reflection by citizens, government and the opposition to see how best the country can restore back the country’s credentials.

He says it is imperative that the nation continue keeping the right shining that Zambia is a democratic country as it is known in the world over.

Meanwhile Opposition United Party for National Development Vice President for Politics Geoffrey Mwamba says 2017 has not been an easy year for the party following the arrests, shootings, threats and denial to mobilise the party.

Mr. Mwamba says 2017 incidents though painful, installed patience, perseverance, love, commitment, loyalty and tolerance in the party membership.

But Mr. Mwamba is happy that this year the party has built a foundation for a formidable, bigger and stronger UPND urging its opponents to watch the space.

He has since thanked party members across the country for their patriotism and perseverance amidst acts of violence, arrests, hate and intimidation.

Mr. Mwamba has since urged party officials to show love to one another, forgive their enemies and show tolerance to its opponents especially during this season.