Overview
This peer-reviewed article by Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa (Stellenbosch University), published in the Canadian Journal of African Studies, explores why democracy in Zambia has remained resilient and widely accepted for over three decades. Despite episodes of democratic backsliding, Zambia continues to be viewed as one of Africa’s most stable multiparty democraciesElite and popular basis for leg….
Purpose
The paper investigates both elite and popular sources of legitimacy that sustain Zambia’s democracy. It identifies five major institutional factors that reinforce public trust in democratic governance:
- Competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power.
- A depoliticised military that respects civilian rule.
- Vibrant political parties capable of mobilising citizens.
- A robust civil society that holds government accountable.
- An independent media and liberal constitution safeguarding civil and political rightsElite and popular basis for leg….
Key Insights
- Enduring Democratic Legitimacy: Zambians’ belief in democracy remains strong, with Afrobarometer surveys showing public support rising from 70 percent in 2003 to 83 percent in 2020.
- Elections with Consequences: The country’s three peaceful changes of power (1991, 2011 and 2021) have deepened public faith that elections can remove unpopular leaders.
- Role of the Military: Zambia’s military, unlike in many African states, remains neutral in politics, enhancing the credibility of electoral outcomes.
- Civil Society and Media Influence: Pro-democracy coalitions such as the Oasis Forum (2001) and independent outlets like The Post and Radio Phoenix have consistently defended constitutional rule.
- Liberal Constitution: The 1991 Constitution, with reforms in 1996 and 2016, established multiparty democracy and strengthened rights of association, speech, and political participationElite and popular basis for leg….
Findings
Dr. Sishuwa argues that Zambia’s democratic legitimacy rests on both elite incentives and popular consent:
- Elites find democracy beneficial for political competition and self-advancement, ensuring their support for constitutional rule.
- Citizens value democracy for guaranteeing rights denied under the former one-party system.
Together, these dynamics have produced a mutually reinforcing belief in democracy as “the only game in town.”
Challenges
The study notes that although Zambia’s democracy is resilient, it faces continuing risks such as:
- Executive dominance over other branches of government.
- Attempts at constitutional manipulation.
- Economic pressures that can weaken public trust.
Conclusion
Zambia’s experience demonstrates that democratic legitimacy can be sustained when both elites and citizens are invested in maintaining the system. Strong institutions—elections, parties, media, civil society, and constitutionalism—form the pillars of this stability. The article concludes that Zambia’s example offers valuable lessons for other African nations struggling to consolidate democracyElite and popular basis for leg….
Citation
Sishuwa Sishuwa (2025). Elite and Popular Basis for Legitimacy of Democracy in Zambia Since 1991. Canadian Journal of African Studies, 59 (2), 361-382.
DOI: 10.1080/00083968.2025.2492382
