“YOUR THREATS AGAINST INDEPENDENTS ARE ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL”- SIAILE WARNS
Human Rights Advocate and Political Analyst, Sikaile C. Sikaile, has strongly condemned recent remarks by UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso, describing his threats against aspiring independent candidates as illegal, undemocratic, and a direct assault on Zambia’s Constitution.
In a detailed statement, Sikaile cautioned that no political official including the UPND Youth Chairman has the authority to block or intimidate any citizen from contesting elections as an independent candidate. He said such conduct “undermines the very foundation of democracy and violates citizens’ constitutional freedoms.”
“The Constitution of Zambia guarantees every citizen the right to participate in the political process whether through a party or as an independent,” Sikaile said. “These rights are not privileges from political parties, but constitutional guarantees that no individual or organization can take away.”
He cited Articles 21, 45, and 60 of the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, which protect freedom of association, equal participation in elections, and the right to contest political office. He further reminded officials that the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 explicitly protects independent candidates.
Sikaile warned that if Mr. Liswaniso or any UPND official acts on the alleged threats, they could face prosecution under Section 90 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes coercion or intimidation in political participation.
“Blocking an aspiring independent from filing nominations would amount to electoral malpractice and criminal interference with the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s constitutional mandate,” he said. “No UPND official not even the Youth Chairman has the legal authority to dictate who should or shouldn’t contest.”
The outspoken activist further reminded the UPND leadership of Zambia’s political history, saying such threats mirror the same oppressive tactics used by the Patriotic Front (PF) before 2021.
“We remember how the PF tried to stop then-opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema from filing nominations. The UPND must not repeat the same mistakes it once fought against,” Sikaile cautioned.
He urged Mr. Liswaniso to engage in dialogue and introspection rather than intimidation, saying the growing frustration within the UPND grassroots needs listening ears, not threats.
“True leadership lies not in silencing dissent but in understanding it,” Sikaile said. “If members are going independent, it’s a sign that something is wrong internally. The solution is dialogue not dictatorship.”
Sikaile emphasized that democracy can only thrive where freedom of choice is respected and that any attempt to suppress independent candidates would not only tarnish UPND’s democratic image but also “betray the spirit of the Constitution.”
“No one is above the Constitution,” he said. “The future of Zambia’s democracy depends on leaders who value justice, inclusion, and fairness above personal or partisan interests.”
Sikaile, who is also a 2026 independent aspiring Member of Parliament, reaffirmed his commitment to defending the rights of ordinary citizens against political intimidation, warning that “Zambians will not tolerate a return to the politics of fear.”
©️ KUMWESU | October 14, 2025
The sentiments HH made were just reminders of what needs to be done in Zambia. He has not broken any law, and yet you are one of the many 1d.io.ts who stand out and say dictator Traore is the best president in Africa. That guy has suspended the constitution, and the opposition has no voice. Here you are every day, holding press conferences, and yet you claim there is no democracy.
You are such a bore.