Elections and the electoral process in Zambia: an appraisal

Abstract

The importance of elections in a democratic nation can not be over emphasized. Elections provide the means through which the democratic management of the public affairs in all representative institutions can be attained. In this case, the condition for and under which elections are held is vital.Favourable conditions promote massive participation, instilling confidence and enthusiasm not only in voters, but also in candidates.If, however, the conditions are bad, the will of the people is hijacked and this may consequently lead to tension, conflicts, violence and coup d'etat in a country.It is these evils of unfree and unfair elections that need to be avoided. This study is an attempt to review the status of elections in Zambia, the problems and shortfalls and to provide suggestions of how these may be minimised so as to achieve free and fair elections in Zambia.