UPND will not entertain any disrespect for HH

Says political differences not licence to demean President MARY LEMBA, FANNY KALONDA Lusaka UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Province chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta says the governing party will no longer entertain people fond of disrespecting President Hakainde…

• Says political differences not licence to demean President

MARY LEMBA,

FANNY KALONDA

Lusaka

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Province chairperson Obvious Mwaliteta says the governing party will no longer entertain people fond of disrespecting President Hakainde Hichilema as political differences should not be used as a licence to demean him.

Meanwhile, a 44-year-old man has been apprehended in Kasumbalesa by the Department of Immigration for allegedly publishing insulting content against Mr Hichilema and the Presidency.

Mr Mwaliteta, who is Kafue West Member of Parliament (MP), said people have the right to disagree with government policies and hold different political views, but that should be done within the bounds of responsible citizenship.

He said those deliberately provoking and insulting the President in an attempt to gain political relevance should not mistake the Government’s commitment to peace for weakness.

“You may disagree with the Government. You may criticise its policies, but disrespecting the head of State is a line that must not be crossed. Going forward, we will not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at our President,” Mr Mwaliteta said.

He said democracy guarantees citizens the right to express themselves, but that freedom comes with the responsibility to respect the dignity of the Presidency and other citizens.

Mr Mwaliteta said political opponents should concentrate on issues that matter to Zambians instead of engaging in what he described as petty political battles. Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony in Kafue West, he said the election is over, adding that the country should now focus on development.

Mr Mwaliteta thanked residents of Kafue West for supporting the UPND and electing him, councillors and other leaders.

He urged UPND members to embrace those who supported other political parties, saying political differences should not permanently divide communities.

The lawmaker demonstrated this by inviting his former political opponent, Mulemwa Njekwa, to the thanksgiving ceremony, saying the gesture shows that political reconciliation is possible. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home