The role of traditional establishment in the electoral process: a case study of the Mpezeni chiefdom.
Date
2017
Authors
Mwanza, Sarah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role played by the traditional establishment
in the electoral process in Mpezeni Chiefdom of Chipata district in Eastern Province. The study
sought to fulfill the following objectives: To determine the extent to which the traditional
establishment engage in politics in Mpezeni Chiefdom of Chipata District, to identify the role
played by the traditional establishment in the electoral process in Mpezeni Chiefdom of Chipata
District and to assess the effects of the involvement of the traditional establishment in the
electoral process in Mpezeni Chiefdom. A case study as qualitative methodology was used to
gather data for this research. Data was gathered using structured interviews and focus group
interviews/discussion. This research study was guided by the Modernist theory. Research
participants included: Chief Mpezeni, the four Indunas, the male, female and young Mpezeni
Chiefdom subjects.
The findings of the study were as follows: It was clear that the traditional establishment are
involved in the electoral process despite the Constitution of Zambia prohibiting them from taking
an active role. It is the conduct of the traditional establishment, however, that is cause for
concern and raises constitutional questions. Their perceived alignment with the political
activities has brought renewed criticism of their relevance in a modern-day society anchored on
democratic values. The study also revealed that politicians play a major role to enhance the
participation of the traditional establishment in prejudiced politics. It was also proven that it is in
the right direction that the traditional establishment is not allowed to take part in parochial
political process even though it appears as a transgression on their political rights. The class size
was found to influence the teaching and learning process. It was also established that there was
no proper supervision of teachers by both internal and external monitors. The study also revealed
that the traditional establishment’s involvement in the electoral process has had an adverse effect
on the people’s involvement in the electoral process in Chipata District. Furthermore, it was
evidenced that politicians play a major roles to enhance the participation of the traditional
establishment in the electoral process in Chipata District. It was also proven that it is in the right
direction that the traditional establishment is not allowed to take part in parochial electoral
process even though it appears as a transgression on their political rights. .
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The study concluded that the traditional establishment’s role in the electoral process, legitimacy,
control and influence in rural areas remain widespread demonstrating remarkable resilience,
despite facing various threats. Successive governments in both colonial and independent Zambia
have sought to maximize this strength for their respective narrow political interests. All these
controversies, conflicts and complexities raise questions about the role and relevance of the
institution of traditional leadership in Zambia specifically the Mpezeni Chiefdom of Chipata
district in the Eastern province of Zambia.
Arising from the findings and discussions that addressed all the objectives, this study made the
following recommendations: workshops, conferences, public forums and symposiums should be
organized periodically for the traditional establishment regarding the content and interpretation
of the constitution. Members of the house of chiefs should be allowed to participate in such
programs for a better appreciation of the course of democracy and good governance, Civic
education on the constitutional provision that prohibits chiefs from taking an active part in
partisan politics should be done more effectively especially among rural, semi-illiterate and
illiterates dwellers, Chiefs’ role should be to act as a body of specialist knowledge that
scrutinizes in greater details bills passed by the first chamber, Article 129 is currently outdated
and needs to be re-drafted in order to accommodate the current developments, amongst others an
inception of the current local authorities, Satisfactory institutional measures should be put in
place to enforce the constitutional provision that debars chiefs from taking active parts in
partisan politics. This may include but not limited to establishment of a special court that tries
chiefs that engage in partisan politics, the second chamber should comprise chiefs and other
traditional leaders. This will provide the opportunity for traditional leaders to air their views and
to scrutinize government policies and programs. And finally, the National House of Chiefs
should come out with a code of conduct which chiefs will have to abide by as far as partisan
politics is concerned. The National House of Chiefs should also liaise with the Regional Houses
of Chiefs to monitor the activities of chiefs in the regions so as to be kept informed of what
chiefs are doing.
Key terms
Role, traditional establishment and Chiefdom
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Elections--Traditional establishment. , Politics--Traditional establishment.