Dissent and Opposition to One Party System in Zambia: Was it Ideological?

Abstract

Dissent and opposition to the one-party system in Zambia has been given narratives of regional politics and tribalism. This article analysed dissent to the one -party system introduced by the UNIP government in 1973 ideologically and made a determination if differences in perceptions on the country’s socio-economic and political arrangements by political opponents were sustainable. The analysis did not only focus on the post- independence opposition parties but also individuals and bodies that helped to illuminate difference in political ideology in the post- independence Zambian society. The discussion was within the broader subject of ideology and politics in Africa which is still a relevant subject to current African politics including Zambia. To establish a case whether dissent and opposition to the one party-state was ideological or not, this article used available literature from published works on post -independence Zambian politics including political manifestos, pronounced political programs and any political positions made by opponents that would assist in deducing ideological leaning. Using content analysis, this article found that opposition and dissent to the one-party system introduced by the UNIP government was ideologically grounded though not sustainable. Opposition political parties, civil society and the student body provided an alternative thinking to socialist ideals of the UNIP government by suggesting pro capitalist, free market and neoliberal views on various government policies and programmes.