GOVT'S FAILURE TO UPHOLD FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND WORSHIP FOR OPPOSITION LEADERS COULD LEAD TO VOTER BACKLASH

 Operation Young Vote Executive Director Guess Nyirenda has warned that the UPND government's failure to demonstrate genuine commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of freedom of movement and worship for opposition leaders could lead to voter backlash.

Responding to Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa's statement that government has not sanctioned any of its agencies, including the police, to monitor or follow opposition political party leaders at places of worship, Mr. Nyirenda says such pronouncements must be backed by substantive actions.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr Nyrienda notes that if the governing party is not careful, its rhetoric may not align with the reality on the ground and could cost them in the next elections.

He says there is a pressing need for President Hakainde Hichilema to take a clear stance on the issue of infringement of people's rights, as failure to do so will shrink the civic space.

PHOENIX NEWS