The Evolution of One-Party Rule in Zambia, 1964-1972

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Periodical article

Title:	The Evolution of One-Party Rule in Zambia, 1964-1972
Author:	Mushingeh, Chiponde
Year:	1993
Periodical:	Transafrican Journal of History
Volume:	22
Pages:	100-121
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Zambia Central Africa
Subjects:	one-party systems Politics and Government politics democracy Historical analysis political systems
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/24328639
Abstract:	This paper analyses the evolution of one-party rule in Zambia, from the time of independence in October 1964 to the time of its imposition in December 1972. The analysis, however, goes back to the period before independence. It assesses areas of continuity between the colonial and the postcolonial States, especially the manner in which power was exercised. Among the factors examined are the origins of the culture of authoritarianism which prevailed in postcolonial Zambia, and the circumstances leading to the rise of one-party rule in the era of independence. The author argues that the roots of one-party rule in Zambia lie in the modus operandi of the British colonial order imposed in the territory between 1890 and 1964. The colonial system sacrificed democracy on the altar of 'law and order'. The author further emphasizes the role of the new political class which assumed power at independence, arguing that while the raison d'être for one-party rule was self-preservation of the ruling class, this was highly camouflaged at the time the system was introduced. Notes, ref., sum.