International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Zambian Democracy in Relation to Governance of Society
Callistus Kahale Kabindama
St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Mpima, Zambia
I. INTRODUCTION
This chapter will deal with the matter of Zambian democracy vis-à-vis Aristotle’s view of society governance. The discussion will be done by looking at how Zambia democratically progressed in her three republics. The chapter will also reflect on how the republics’ transitions brought challenges to values of democracy and leadership. We will show how political ideologies can be nurtured in a state by having active civil society groups and a constitutional rule. The paper will conclude by giving a critique on the matter at hand by analyzing a citizen with an Aristotelian citizenry.
Democracy And Multiparty System
Zambian democracy has passed through three different republics. These republics have been experienced in the period of 50 years. The context, in which the word ‘republic’ should be understood, is in the sense of the type of government-system. “Zambia’s post – colonial political history is divided into three periods: the First Republic, 1964 to 1972, the Second Republic, 1973 to 1990, and the Third Republic which began in 1991.” These are the periods which have shaped democratization in the political system of Zambia. As many African countries who experienced colonial rule, Zambia was not exception to arise from the challenge of manifesting democratic principles. Therefore there was an urgency to find its way or rather to have a political stance after independence.
Adoption of Democracy
The system of governance which was adopted by Zambia after attaining independence in 1964 was that of a multiparty – democracy. This gave an opportunity for those who wished to exercise their freedom by forming political parties to do so, and to participate in the freedom of speech. The First Republic of Zambia gave chance to people to experience and exercise the values of democracy. There were a lot of expectations to see how this new way of governance will change from the colonial masters. We have to understand that although there was freedom of expression and formation of political parties, this became a threat to the ruling party of that time. Kaunda wanted to find a way to gain more power in this new system of politics. He did this by oppressing and banning political parties which