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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Constitutional amendments in Zambia: a challenge to democracy?
Author:Osei-Hwedie, Bertha Z.ISNI
Year:1997
Periodical:Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies
Volume:24
Issue:2
Pages:40-56
Language:English
Geographic term:Zambia
Subjects:democracy
constitutional amendments
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02589349708705047
Abstract:This article analyses the process of democratization in Zambia with a view to highlighting the problems hindering the consolidation of democracy. It argues that the political leadership, through changes made to the 1991 Constitution and the amendments thereof, as well as its general behaviour towards civil society, constrains the consolidation of democracy in Zambia. The 1996 amendments to the 1991 Constitution, although well-intended, provide an example of an attempt by an incumbent elite at legitimizing its hold on power while denying others the right to participate in the political process. The timing and phraseology of the changes contained in the Constitutional Amendment Act of 1996 raised the suspicion that the ruling MMD (Movement for Multiparty Democracy) leadership used it to maintain itself in power by guaranteeing victory in the 1996 elections. The seriousness of Zambia's constitutional crisis was shown by the withholding of aid by donor countries, pressure by the SADC, threats to boycott the 1996 elections, and court action to reverse the amendments. After winning the elections and the resumption of IMF and EU loans, the MMD has no incentive to pursue dialogue with opposition parties and civil society to enhance democratization. Bibliogr., sum.
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