World over, in politics, you must be ready to go to prison – Liswaniso
UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso says politics is for the strong, not boys or girls.
He says anyone who ventures into politics must be prepared to go to prison.
Featuring on Crown TV’s Hardball, hosted by Seidlitz Nkhonjera, Liswaniso says politics, by its very nature, demands that one should expect to go to jail before getting into government.
He says the same applies when one exits the government.
Liswaniso says in politics, whether one is right or wrong, they can still find themselves behind bars.
“Politics mwamene ilili che, nikumangiwa,” remarks Liswaniso, adding that, “People can politic however they wish, but must never cross the line.”
Commenting on remarks from some sections of society cautioning him and other members of the ruling party about possible jail time after leaving power, Liswaniso says politics is for the strong, citing President Hakainde Hichilema’s arrests and incarcerations while in opposition.
He says, knowing how vocal he is, when the UPND’s time in government comes to an end, some people will look for him and take him to prison, but he will not run away.
Liswaniso says that he knows that governments come and go.
He appeals to the opposition to give UPND space.
“Give us some space also. They voted for us the people of Zambia. If you’re claiming we have stolen an election from you, that is your baby, deal with it. But don’t break the law. If you break the law, you’ll be arrested.
“I would want to see my President [Hakainde Hichilema, yes, with the opposition criticizing him, some with solutions so that the people of Zambia can benefit from his leadership,” he says.
TV Yatu | November 4, 2026.