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.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Former Vice President, and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has begged Nigerians in the diaspora not to give up on the country but to remain strong and optimistic for a better future for Nigeria.

Atiku, who made the call during a virtual interactive session with some Nigerians in the diaspora on Sunday, urged Nigerian citizens living abroad not to give up on the nation regardless of the current socio-economic challenges and what the citizens are going through back home.

According to the former Nigerian number two man, the state of the economy has led to untold hardship for millions of Nigerians and the poverty index has continued to rise but however, expressed hopes of a better and brighter future for the nation.

“I urge you not to give up just yet. Your strength and resilience are crucial to Nigeria’s future,” Atiku said, while charging the door diaspora Nigerians to play bigger roles in shaping the country’s future.

“As Nigerians living abroad, you have a unique perspective on what good governance and economic management look like.

“I encourage you to continue to pray for Nigeria’s deliverance. Your prayers and support can help bring about the transformation we need.

“I believe in the potential of our great nation and I know that with collective effort, we can overcome the current challenges and build a prosperous Nigeria for all.”

He also encouraged them to continue to support their families and friends back home.

“Continue to engage with your loved ones, offering support and encouraging peace and unity in these difficult times.

“Your contributions to the Nigerian economy through remittances and investments are quite crucial. I will appeal to all Nigerians in the diaspora to continue to support Nigeria and project it to the world as the country with great potential,” Atiku charged.