Democracy is not merely a slogan shouted at rallies or printed on campaign posters. It is a system of values demonstrated through actions, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Today, the biggest question confronting Zambia is whetherPresident Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND governmenttruly believe in democracy or whether democracy has become a convenient political narrative while the reality tells a different story.
In Bemba wisdom, it is said:“Uwakwensha ubushiku, bamutasha elyo bwacha.” A driver is praised only when he safely reaches the destination in the morning. But what happens when the driver keeps changing routes while pretending to follow the correct road? This is the dilemma Zambia faces today.
The route to democracy is clear. It is defined in the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia and reinforced by democratic traditions practiced by political parties across the world. Yet, the conduct of the ruling party raises serious concerns about whether the country is still traveling on that road.
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Article 60 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016clearly establishes the legal framework governing political parties. It requires that political parties operate as democratic institutions.
Specifically,Article 60(2)(d) and (f)compels political parties to: ● Practice internal democracy throughregular, free, and fair elections. ● Ensure members are able to participate fully in party affairs and seek redress for grievances. The intention of this constitutional provision was simple and clear: to eliminate the culture ofone-man rule within political partiesand to ensure leadership renewal through conventions and internal elections.
In a genuine democracy, conventions are not optional events. They are constitutional obligations. Today, theUnited Party for National Development (UPND)faces a defining test of its commitment to democracy.
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