Metro

Zambia’s political challenges, ensuring free speech, addressing barriers to participation

Published

1 month ago

September 9, 2024

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.

Related Topics:Featured Politics Project Aliyense Zambia

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Metro

ZESCO says Zambians can enjoy improved power supply but offers condition

Published

9 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) has assured Zambians of improved power supply spanning seven-hour daily, depending on the approval of its emergency tariff adjustment by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

ZESCO, which is Zambia’s largest power company producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the country, made the commitment during a public hearing held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Monday.

In his address, Victor Mapani, ZESCO’s Managing Director, stated that the proposed tariff increase would allow the company to raise $15 million monthly to import 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

“ZESCO’s ultimate goal is to add 788 MW of power to the 400 MW it currently imports from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” Mapani said.

Also speaking at the forum, Mark O’Donnell, representing the Business Coalition Task Office, noted that ZESCO’s tariffs were more affordable than diesel generators, which many households and businesses had resorted to due to Zambia’s energy challenges.

He emphasized the coalition’s support for the tariff hike but urged ZESCO to ensure efficient use of resources.

Ashu Sagar, President of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), raised concerns about ZESCO’s inconsistent load-shedding schedule, which he said had disrupted production planning and increased costs in the manufacturing sector.

On his part, ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, announced that the board would make an independent decision on ZESCO tariff adjustment request on Thursday, devoid of political influence.

Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.