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News release

Zambians sound alarm for eroding democracy, Afrobarometer survey shows

19 Jul 2017
In the face of mounting government repression, ordinary Zambians stand by their firm commitment to democratic ideals, reiterate solid support for institutional checks and balances, and strongly reject one-man rule, a new Afrobarometer survey has found.

In the face of mounting government repression, ordinary Zambians stand by their firm commitment to democratic ideals, reiterate solid support for institutional checks and balances, and strongly reject one-man rule, a new Afrobarometer survey has found.

In results of a nationally representative survey in April, Zambians express worry that their democracy is eroding and political space is closing as President Edgar Lungu’s administration has clamped down on dissent.

While popular support for democracy is strong, especially among respondents with higher education, attitudes toward emergency measures are more mixed, reflecting some willingness to accept restrictions on freedoms of the media and of movement.

Survey findings are detailed in Afrobarometer Dispatch No. 157.

For the full press release, click here.