Right of reply: In defence of Zambia’s democracy

['Whitney Mulobela', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Vertical-Align Middle .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar Is .Alignleft .Alignright'] The Mail & Guardian 2025-09-20 00:00:00

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. With about a year to go before Zambia’s next elections, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa has criticised President Hakainde Hichilema’s record, accusing the government of political interference. Rather than blocking opposition meetings, as Sishuwa suggests, we are building a more vibrant and inclusive democratic space. The more obvious explanation would be trying to enfranchise more of Zambia’s young, growing population. As the survivor of two fraudulent elections and a four-month prison term while in opposition, President Hichilema has always worked to strengthen Zambians’ democratic rights.