A study on fulfilment of political campaign promises on infrastructural development in kabwata constituency of lusaka district, Zambia

Abstract

The study sought to explore political campaign promises on infrastructural development and extent to which they were fulfilled in Kabwata constituency. The objectives of the study were to: assess the extent to which politicians fulfilled the campaign promises on infrastructural development in Kabwata constituency of Lusaka district, identify the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in ensuring that electorates are aware about making politicians accountable to their campaign promises and establish the role of electorates in making politicians accountable to their campaign promises. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study sample was 67, consisting of seven (07) politicians, six (06) representatives from NGOs, and 54 electorates. Semi-structure interview guide was used to collect data from the politicians, representatives from NGOs and electorates. In addition an observation checklist was used to verify the status of the campaign promises. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select politicians and representatives from NGOs while convenient sampling was used to select the electorates. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Findings show that politicians fulfilled most of the infrastructure campaign promises in Kabwata constituency. Thus, 60% of the road networks were done, three police posts were completed, two are under construction while construction on the other was suspended due to court injunction over the land in question. One clinic was upgraded to first level hospital and another was built, seven ablution blocks were renovated, two modern markets were constructed, twelve boreholes were sunk and two shelters were put up. Findings also revealed that NGOs have a role to play in creating awareness in electorates about making politicians accountable to their campaign promises by providing voter education to the electorates, creating a platform where the politicians interacted and explained their manifesto to the electorates. NGOs sensitize the electorates to demand for accountability from the politicians. Furthermore the study revealed that electorates had a role in making politicians accountable by making politicians sign a social contract against their promises and also by asking the politicians to explain why they failed to fulfill the campaign promises. Based on the findings, the study recommends that politicians sign a social contract so that accountability is fostered.