THE HYPOCRISY OF THE UPND GOVERNMENT ON POLITICAL CHANTS AT SOCCER MATCHES: A CLASSIC CASE OF DOUBLE STANDARDS
The Socialist Party views the recent statements issued by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts condemning political chants at sports stadiums as a glaring example of political hypocrisy and selective amnesia by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) administration.
Through Ministry Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, the government recently claimed that political chants at Nkana Stadium are “unacceptable” and threatened to “provoke rival groups and create unnecessary tension”. While we agree that sports should remain peaceful and unifying, we must ask the UPND leadership: Since when did spontaneous expressions of the public’s feelings at football matches become a national security threat?
The UPND can not claim a moral high ground today when their own history contradicts their current stance. Before the elections, the UPND actively utilised the country’s soccer stadiums to advance its political agenda. Their supporters repeatedly, loudly, and proudly chanted “Salt Sana” and “Bally” slogans during football matches. At that time, neither the previous administration nor the soccer authorities weaponised the state apparatus to silence them. They enjoyed the full freedom of expression that a democratic Zambia guarantees.
Now that the tables have turned and the Zambian people are choosing to express their discontent through chants like “Pelampi” or “Inyali,” the UPND government has suddenly found religion regarding the “sanctity of sports”. To the UPND, political chanting is only peaceful and democratic when it praises the ruling elite, but it becomes “provocative” and “dangerous” the moment it reflects the struggles and frustrations of ordinary citizens.
What is good for the goose must be good for the gander. If the “Salt Sana” chants were a legitimate exercise of free speech by the UPND before the elections, then current opposition chants are equally legitimate today.
As the Socialist Party, we call upon the UPND government to stop panicking over football stadium chants and instead focus on addressing the real issues driving public discontent—such as political repression and tyranny, high fuel prices, the cost of living, and economic mismanagement. You can not cure the fever by smashing the thermometer.
Let the youth and the sports fans express themselves freely, just as you did when you sought their votes.
Fred M’membe
SP President