By Chilekwa M. Mumba
It is “half-true” that democracy is taking root in Africa. I owe this “half-truth” to be the end-result of a chain reaction of an African leadership unwilling to let go of power even when time demands that change. Naturally, democracy is a process and Africa is in its infant stage of developing, thus one would need to be careful not to make a quick judgment on its growth. However, “stunted growth” is identifiable even at the infant-stage, and sadly it is clearly manifest in the majority of “democratic” African nations. It is also wholesomely true to say that democracy has several versions, but ultimately the loud majority opinion of the citizens [expressed through various means], should wield a silent but prevailing influence in the direction of the country. Paradoxically, Africa in general and Zambia in particular, our “democracy” is that the minority opinion silently held by the ruling few has a loud and prevailing influence in the direction of the country. These tendencies translate into the unhealthy “symptoms”, that render our democracy to be extremely fragile even in countries classified as “stable” as was evidenced in Kenya and Zimbabwe.[pullquote]There is no limit to what a man can do if he does not mind who gets the credit
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To validate the said case, as well as identify a possible root cause for this “stunted” growth we will do well to analyze our own country’s current democratic dispensation. We will begin with the deficiencies of our own purported “democratic” political parties that are inherently the front-line institutions for democracy; we Zambians like saying charity begins at home so this is a good place to start. Also keep in mind that Zambia is widely considered to be a formidable democracy at least in the African realm. African politics have a well observed and documented problem with the establishment of democratically inclined institutional values- and this is a trait undeniably evident in our “successful” and major parties in Zambia- whether MMD, PF or UPND.
The “minor” but equally important parties almost always follow suit in this undemocratic route by starting off with a self-appointed (or anointed) “President”, resulting in personality-cult oriented polities. Indeed that is why some comic-witted political analysts refer to such personal parties as brief-case parties- they are after all as personal as a brief case! Comedic opinions aside, the grim and solemn consequence is that not all of these parties fail, but some inevitably survive with these undemocratic tendencies and become the infectious poison to Africa’s democratic growth. This happenstance is definitely one of the foremost negatives surrounding the nature of our democratization, and eventually contributes greatly to the charged stunted growth of the desired democracy. Democratic values in the intra-operation of our parties is a rare commodity, but arbitrary “leadership” is a dime a dozen. In Zambia today, political party leaders do not jostle for leadership positions through transparent democratic processes, but through very open intimidation and intolerance. Resultantly, this crippled version of “democracy” manifests its stunted growth in our elections that are increasingly marred with occasional but serious violence and ever-present vote-buying-all opposite traits of democracy. Some say it’s part of the growth process, but again I reiterate that stunted growth can be diagnosed early, and it will be foolhardy for us citizens to ignore this issue- prevention is better than cure; another favorite Zambian saying.
In summation, it is important that we as responsible citizens and potential leaders of our country demand better from our politicians, by forcing them to democratically legitimize their assumed leadership positions through fair and transparent democratic processes. Do not be mistaken, we do have a reason to be concerned. It will not do for us to nonchalantly continue allowing leaders at the party-level to anoint themselves as Presidents, Chairmen or women of this and that portfolio without due democratic process. This trend that we are unknowingly accepting is inevitably be carried into the annals of state power, with a very tragic experience and end as we have witnessed in our own country.
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Nobody will comment on this article because it lacks substance. If you where my student, i would have given you a passionate ‘C’ for trying argue within your unscholarly intuitions.
Hard lack..try to do more research next time before you write to the public.
This article, though not very well written, deals with very important matters whose absence in our socio-political set up have contributed to poor governance. One of the major problems is the absence, in the attitudes of those who happen to be in positions delegated with authority, of respect for the rule of law. They fail to appreciate that the power they wield is delegated (by the law of the land), and mistakenly believe that they are the law unto themselves. Consequently, they begin to act outside, and to disregard, the law! From there, it is a short distance to election rigging, voter buying, corruption and all the other political evils. Justice for all and regard for and application of the rule of law is what will lead to genuine democracy.
Yes democracy is a process. It is therefore not an object that we can pin point. But to say its stunted I totally disagree with author. In a democratic process we use terms like
1. Good governance
2. Electoral process
3. Economic emancipation
4. Human Development
5. Well-being
6. Inclusiveness
7. Corruption
8. Civic education
9. NGO/CIVIL Society
to mention but a few.
All these issues must run at the same time. Failure to which is observed as an over site in the process. It an omission that can be rectified with time and should never be seen as stunted.
The democratic process in Zambia is embroid in the electoral process and economic emancipation. It does not mean we are stunted.
However, it is advisable to be holistic in the process for the citizenry to appreciate…
Wrong No, #3:
You are right in most of what you have said. However, I believe more than a process, democracy, like culture, is a way of doing things, a status of being. It is a way of governing and the status of governance. There is in the mind of all democracy-conscious people a desirable level or state of democracy. It may take some time for that desirable level to be achieved. If the time it is taking to reach desirable levels is inordinately long, it can be said legitimately, as the writer of the article above has said, that the growth of democracy is stunted.
Good article. Has valid facts. I agree with # 4.
Iyo kwena. To call this article average shows a shallow understanding of issues. Problem mwe bantu u want simplicity too much. This is more than a good article. The points are well put. We have a problem in Africa and the sooner we acknowledge it the better. Kudos author.
Good article Mr Author, I’m writing a paper on this very issue.