Zambia: Civil society actors
Updated September 2010
Extracted from: Illona Tip, James Gadin and Maureen Maloi 2009 "Chapter 14: Zambia" IN Denis Kadima and Susan Booysen (eds) Compendium of Elections in Southern Africa 1989-2009: 20 Years of Multiparty Democracy, EISA, Johannesburg, 592-593.
Zambia has over 600 registered CBOs and NGOs. However, in electoral politics five NGOs dominate: Fodep [Foundation For Democratic Process], Zambia National Women's Lobby Group, Anti-Voter Apathy Project (Avap), Saccord (Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes) and Transparency International. Civil society organisations have been robust in their advocacy for constitutional reforms. They work under the umbrella of the Oasis Forum. They have actively lobbied for fundamental constitutional reforms and held widespread consultations with political parties, government, and relevant ministries, such as the Justice Ministry. The Forum also met with the late President Mwanawasa on the issue of constitutional reform.
In terms of participation in the electoral process, civil society organisations carry out fairly widespread voter and civic education programmes. Operating drama groups, rallies, door-to-door canvassing, workshops and public addresses are some of the methods used to disseminate information. Civic organisations are generally concerned with non-partisan information. They urge people to exercise their right to vote and advise them on how to choose candidates wisely.
In between elections these same organisations engage in electoral reform issues, civic education and advocacy work. Women's groups, such as Women for Change and the National Women's Lobby Group, specialise in promoting awareness in society about the need for women to vote to help ensure gender balance. They also hold workshops for, and encourage, women to stand as candidates.
CSO websites
Anti-Voter Apathy Project (Avap): [www] http://antivoterapathyproject.org/ [opens new window] (accessed 15 Sep 2010).
Foundation For Democratic Process: [www] http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/FOUNDATION-FOR-DEMOCRATIC-PROCESS/127645393918626 [Facebook, opens new window] (accessed 15 Sep 2010).
