Wednesday 25 August 2021

Leaders fill Stadiums, Rulers empty them

Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration filled the Zambian National Stadium (Independence Stadium) during what has been an exciting week for Southern African persecuted opposition political parties.  As many have said, “one of our own has achieved what seems to have been the impossible.”  Hakainde Hichilema has been inaugurated as the President of Zambia.





Hakainde Hichilema new Zambian President



It’s worth noting that even in the middle of a pandemic, the leader managed to fill the stadium to capacity, whilst Emerson Mnangagwa the ruler of neighbouring Zimbabwe on the other hand had an empty stadium before the pandemic (see video).  One of the risks of such a full stadium is that this could be deemed to be a supper spreader event.  Likely taking a leaf out of Joe Biden’s books might have been a great idea.  However, only time will tell.  As a side note, the National Broadcasters in Zambia πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡² did not give HH any media coverage before his inauguration so, it’s likely he could put the blame on the previous regime and the rights of the Media to cover elections fairly without prejudice, hence his inability to communicate in a calm manner to his followers and the rest of the country may have been somewhat curtailed.


The optimism and good will for Zambia by Zambians and others in opposition politics in the region (SADC) is immense.  One does hope that Human Rights for all will be realised within Zambia.  Especially in the realms of politics.  It is hoped that strong independent institutions that operate as checks and balances of the majority will be allowed to operate independently and be respected.


It is also hoped that all the crimes against humanity and human rights abuses will be properly investigated then tried by an independent, just and fare judiciary that is not controlled by anyone.


The dig at ZANU PF emptying stadiums is not without evidence and the significance is an extremely huge barometer on the popularity of the ruling party by its supporters and all those who are independent voters.


This unfortunately has not happened in the Zimbabwean context for over 30 or arguably 40 years.  The last smooth transition of power in the Zimbabwean context from one political party to another occurred on Independence day on the 18th of April 1980.  The last smooth transition of power within a ruling party occurred when the late Canaan Banana (ZANU) handed over the Presidency to the late Rober Mugabe (ZANU which became ZANU PF).


Zimbabwe Freedom of Expression would like to formally congratulate the winner of the Zambian elections Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian people who have had another smooth transition of power.  


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