State of Democracy in Zambia

The 2024 flagship report from the V-Dem Institute, a leading authority on the study of democracy worldwide, has highlighted Zambia’s successful transition from being labelled an “electoral autocracy” to an “electoral democracy”. This places Zambia near the top of the list of countries that have made significant democratic advancements, reversing the tide in what V-Dem describes as a “U-turn” away from autocratic principles.

Around the world, the state of democracy is becoming increasingly uncertain, facing threats that seem more pronounced with each passing day. There is a clear trend of democratic backsliding as undemocratic regimes tighten their grip, limit freedom of expression, and erode the rule of law. However, in the midst of these challenges, Zambia stands out as a positive exception. It has managed to navigate a path that counters these negative trends by embracing democracy.

We know that democracy is harder than autocracy. It takes energy, time, and hard work from every corner of the country. But according to the Democracy Report 2024, in a world where 71% of the world’s population live in autocratic regimes, Zambia is not yielding to these pressures.

In Zambia, as the report makes clear, it was civil society which played a pivotal role in preventing attempts to change the Constitution and further undermine democracy in 2019. This Government is proud of the actions it has since taken to strengthen the civic space, including signing the Access to Information Act in December 2023. Moreover, since assuming the role as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Zambia has appointed highly experienced and credible public officials – including former Vice Presidents – to oversee SADC Electoral Observation Missions.

Democracy is both a process and a set of ideals. Political rules and institutions underpin the process but the range of consultation, the depth of deliberation, and the respect for counter arguments are just as important. The V-Dem report recognises Zambia’s progress but we also acknowledge that challenges and hard work lie ahead to cement this positive direction. We can never take democracy for granted.

For this reason, the Government is committed to working with its domestic, regional, and international partners to share Zambia’s lessons and experiences. Zambia believes that democratic values are fundamental to building an inclusive, stable, and prosperous country and region.

All Zambians should be proud of the positive strides the country has taken in strengthening its democracy and the attendant wide recognition. As the report shows, we are a positive outlier in a troubled world; we must continue our collective responsibility to strengthen checks and balances in the interest of promoting democratic resilience at home and abroad.

(Original signed)

Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P

ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Charter House

Lusaka

13^th March 2024