Zambia has not witnessed such violence since 1991 — Sakwiba Sikota
TONSE Alliance national chairman Sakwiba Sikota says Zambia has not witnessed election violence allegedly perpetrated by a sitting government in the manner currently being experienced since the return of multi-party democracy in 1991.
Speaking in Western Province, Sikota said he has participated in nine elections and has never before seen a ruling party allegedly resort to violence during election campaigns.
He alleged that some cadres from the ruling UPND were being escorted by Zambia Police officers to disrupt opposition campaign rallies.
“Zambia is no longer a democratic country, judging by what has been happening in the last few days,” Sikota said.
“The Head of State is in charge and is supposed to protect the people of Zambia.”
Sikota also expressed disappointment over the disruption of an NRPUP campaign rally in Western Province, saying the incident occurred in full view of police officers.
He urged Zambians to vote the UPND out of office in order to restore democracy.
“Looking at what has been happening, we no longer have democracy in the country. So on 13 August 2026, we need to restore democracy.
“Since 1991, I have participated in nine elections, but I have never seen elections conducted in this manner, the way the UPND is doing it,” he said.
©TV Yatu | Noel Iyombwa | August 6, 2026.
Does this man still have brains in his skull?
Public discourse is most constructive when it is grounded in facts, consistency, and fairness. While concerns about political violence should always be taken seriously, it is equally important to avoid statements that may overstate the situation or overlook Zambia’s broader political history.
To suggest that political violence is unprecedented since the return of multiparty democracy in 1991 is a claim that many would dispute. Zambia has experienced periods of political tension and violence under different administrations, and these events remain well documented and part of the public record.
Political leaders and commentators have a responsibility to promote evidence-based dialogue, acknowledge historical context, and encourage peaceful, issue-based politics. Our national conversation is better served when we focus on policies, governance, and solutions rather than rhetoric that may deepen political divisions.
Zambia deserves a political culture that prioritizes truth, mutual respect, and constructive engagement above partisan narratives.
Mr. Sikota has an axe to grind with HH. It is understandable for him to make such an outrageous claim.
We have seen worse violence under MMD and even worse under his partners, PF. He is suffering from selective amnesia.
However, this doesnot excuse the UPND for the violence we have witnessed.
Was Sakwiba Sikota in Zambia during the time of the PF brutal and autocratic rule? I think at certain age people should be felt bound to be sincere and honest. It’s shameful and despicable of Mr. Sakwiba Sikota, a person who holds the title of State Counsel, to engage in making outrageous statements that are false and misleading. On the basis of unbecoming behaviour, he should be stripped of the title of State Counsel. Violence under the PF regime was the worst in the country since independence.
State Counsel (SC) status should be bestowed by LAZ or another neutral Body and not Politicians. In UK, the King’s Counsel (KC), which is equivalent to SC in Zambia is not bestowed by the UK Prime Minister who is a Politician but bestowed by the King (who is neutral, not a Politician). Politicians in Africa tend to bestow this Title on their Lap-dogs, Lackies and friends who may not deserve the Title.
My opinion only, I am just a “Painter”
His hate for HH is known. He lost the UPND presidency to him. He has not recovered.
Politicians lie
Anything that comes from SC Sakwiba Sikota about HH and UPND must be understood from a historical point of view. The SC, is a bitter man. Mr. Sikota was not going to hold UPND together for 15 years after the demise of Mr. Underson Mazoka. HH was the chief financier of UPND during Underson Mazoka as president of UPND in opposition. That alone made HH the preferred candidate to lead UPND after Mazoka. Mr. Sikota must come to terms with his loss. Years have passed.
He must have not been in Zambia from 2016 to 2021 when there was ruling party violence throughout, even outside the election period.
Sakwiba Sikota is someone I personally know. I therefore know that he agrees when I say that if his political choice and mine differ, there’s need to do some work to examine the cause. Sikota knows what is at stake.