By: Ollus Ndomu
The new government of the United Party for National Development -UPND- has allowed back political cadres to make camps in markets barely a month after President Hakainde Hichilema banned them from operating in trading places and bus stations.
Justifying the decision which has stirred anger among Zwmbians, Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Garry Nkombo laboured on Tuesday to clarify the role of political supporters in public places.
Nkombo explained that the country’s constitution accords every citizen a right to association and expression and having political party branches in markets and bus stations does not mean they will interfere with the operations of local authorities.
He further added that the new dawn government would uphold the rule of law, thus markets and bus stations will strictly be managed as per Markets Act 7, 2007 by local authorities.
Meanwhile, Zambia Bus Drivers and Taxi Workers Union President, James Liambai observed that the government’s move would soon take the country back to the Patriotic Front -PF- days where cadres extorted money from local traders.
