- More than eight in 10 Zambians (85%) say they prefer democracy to any other form of government.
- Overwhelming majorities reject dictatorship (90%), military rule (88%), and one-party rule (85%).
- Almost nine out of 10 Zambians (86%) support regular, open, and honest elections as the best way to choose their political leaders, a position that has consistently had strong support over the past decade.
- Seven in 10 citizens (70%) endorse a two-term limit on presidential mandates, though this position has weakened somewhat since 2020.
- But about three in 10 citizens (29%) describe the country as “not a democracy” or “a democracy with major problems,” an 11-percentage-point increase compared to 2022.
- But about three in 10 citizens (29%) describe the country as “not a democracy” or “a democracy with major problems,” an 11-percentage-point increase compared to 2022.
- Nevertheless, large majorities of Zambians say they feel free to choose whom to vote for without pressure (93%), to join political organisations of their choice (80%), and to say what they think (78%).
Zambia’s democratic expedition has been marked by noteworthy progress and challenges, with citizens dependably indicating a strong preference for democratic governance (Ministry of Justice, 2024). Since transitioning to multiparty democracy in 1991, Zambia has held regular and credible elections, reinforced its institutions, and encouraged citizen participation. But the country has also experienced periods of democratic relapsing, including restrictions on civil liberties and manipulation of electoral processes (Chibwili, 2024; Olukoshi, 2022). Notwithstanding these challenges, Zambia has upheld a commitment to democratic principles, including separation of powers, protection of individual rights, and promotion of accountability (Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2024).
However, current trends suggest that Zambians are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the performance of their democratic system. This dissatisfaction is reflected in declining trust in government and institutions and growing perceptions of corruption and inequality (Kasonde, 2024). The economy has also been a major concern as many Zambians experience rising costs of living, poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic services (Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, 2024; Chibwili, 2025). These problems have eroded confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and have raised questions about the effectiveness of Zambia’s democratic system (Chanda & Lufeyo, 2024).
According to the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, Zambians overwhelmingly support democracy, elections, and a two-term limit on presidential mandates. Most citizens also say they feel free to choose whom to vote for, to join political organisations of their choice, and to say what they think. But assessments of the country’s democracy, and satisfaction with its workings, have declined sharply after peaking in the wake of the last general election.
Related content
