Zambia opposition party says to boycott general election

An opposition political party in Zambia on Tuesday said it would not take part in this year's general election, citing dictatorial tendencies by the current regime.

Fourth Revolution leader Eric Chanda, who took part in last year's presidential election and came 6th, has directed that no party member will take part in the August 11 general election.

The opposition leader said his party has decided to boycott the August 11 polls because the environment was not level for all political players in the country.

He said governance issues in the country leaves much to be desired as opposition leaders were not being given an opportunity to freely express themselves.

He said he has been spending time appearing in court instead of campaigning after he was arrested on allegations of defaming President Edgar Lungu.

"We have boycotted elections this year until we see improvements in the democratization process. They are infringing on our rights to speak," he told reporters after appearing in court.

He said the court appearances were denying him an opportunity to campaign ahead of the elections.

The opposition has been appearing in court with two journalists from the private the Post Newspaper on charges of defaming the Zambian leader. Endit