All of Zambia’s ruling and opposition parties have misunderstood the role of civil society. When in opposition, they welcome civil society’s criticism of the government. They agree with its calls for accountability, good governance and respect for the rule of law. They mistake civil society as an ally because, more often than not, they share the same concerns. But once they get into government, the relationship changes. Suddenly, the same civil society they once praised for speaking out becomes a nuisance. Their criticism is interpreted as hostility, and their calls for accountability are dismissed as politically motivated. Meanwhile, the party that has left government begins to appreciate the same civil society it once accused of being partisan. And the cycle continues. This is exactly where we are today. UPND supporters cannot understand and accept why civil society that criticised the PF government is now doing the same with the UPND government. But there is really nothing strange here. Civil society's job is not to defend political parties or help them gain power. Its job is to hold those in power accountable, whoever they may be. If civil society criticised the PF when it was in government, it should similarly criticise the UPND when it believes the same standards are not being met. And if tomorrow another party forms government, the same principle must apply. The problem is that politicians and their supporters want accountability when it works in their favour and silence when it becomes inconvenient. The real test of whether you believe in civil society is not how you treat it when you are in opposition, but how you respond when it holds your own government to account.