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Active political participation is vital for ensuring leaders are accountable and promoting transparency.
In Zambia, while several political parties participate in general, by-elections, and ward elections to test their popularity, financial constraints often hinder smaller parties from making significant impacts.
Prior to the 1991 general elections, Zambia was under a one-party state led by the United National Independence Party (UNIP) and its leader, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, who endorsed socialism over democracy.
The introduction of multiparty politics in 1991 saw the emergence of various political parties.
However, many of these parties often align with larger parties during elections due to financial pressures.
Major parties like the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF) frequently seek financial support from conglomerates, promising kickbacks in exchange for government formation.
This has led to calls for legislation on political party financing to ensure transparency about the sources of funding for all parties, though such proposals have faced resistance.
Parties like the former ruling PF, UNIP, and the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) have struggled with internal disputes, often failing to field candidates in various elections.
Renowned academician Sishuwa Sishuwa highlighted that former ruling parties typically perform poorly after losing power. UNIP, which ruled for 27 years, collapsed after its defeat in 1991, while MMD, which governed for 20 years, similarly faltered after losing power in 2011.
When the PF went into opposition following the 2021 elections, many, including President Hakainde Hichilema, anticipated its decline.
However, Sishuwa noted that despite predictions of its demise, the PF remained resilient, winning support in subsequent polls.
Political participation was crucial for representing diverse perspectives and fostering a vibrant public discourse.
Engaged citizens can advocate for policies and laws that support free speech and democracy.
Elizabeth Carlson of Cambridge University Press points out that while ethnic identity often drives electoral participation in Africa, other factors such as co-locality, co-gender, and co-partisanship also play significant roles.
The focus should shift from ethnic influence alone to a broader understanding of electoral dynamics.
Encouraging political engagement promotes critical thinking and debate, essential for a healthy democracy and free speech.
The 2010 Afrobarometer survey revealed high support for democratic governance in Zambia since 1999, though satisfaction with how democracy functions has been below 50 percent from 2005 to 2009.
Many Zambians are dissatisfied with a political environment where ruling parties remain in power for extended periods, even with freedoms to express opinions and vote.
Before his 2021 election, President Hichilema faced obstacles such as blocked campaign events and military deployment following clashes and election-related violence.
Such challenges underscore the need for increased political participation and a more inclusive environment for free speech to thrive.
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