Governance expert Rueben Lifuka says Zambia’s governance landscape still contains several grey areas, citing the continued use of the Sedition Law to suppress critics of the establishment.
Speaking to Flava News, Mr. Lifuka warned that such practices risk shrinking democratic space and undermining freedom of expression, values he said are fundamental to a functioning democracy.
He noted that political parties have not been afforded sufficient freedom to operate, a situation he argued falls short of expectations held by many Zambians under the United Party for National Development administration.
Mr. Lifuka said that with about one year remaining before the general elections, the ruling party still has an opportunity to make corrective reforms and realign itself with its governance commitments, particularly in upholding democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.
He also cautioned against fiscal indiscipline, warning that as elections approach, there may be a temptation to increase public spending for political gain, a move he said could undermine economic stability and long-term fiscal sustainability.
