Linda Kasonde Warns Zambia Against Return To One-Party Rule, Draws Lessons From Kaunda Era

Constitutional lawyer and former Law Association of Zambia President Linda Kasonde has warned that Zambia risks undermining its democratic traditions if political power becomes increasingly concentrated and constitutional safeguards are weakened. Reflecting on her childhood under Kenneth Kaunda’s one-party state, Kasonde recalls a period when citizens feared speaking freely and political loyalty to the President was deeply embedded in public life.

In a strongly worded commentary, Kasonde draws historical comparisons between Zambia’s political developments and the rise of authoritarian governments elsewhere, including Adolf Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s. She argues that restrictions on political freedoms, the growing influence of security institutions and the elevation of political leaders above the law should concern citizens who value democracy.

Kasonde raises particular concerns about events surrounding Zambia’s August 2026 general election, including the temporary suspension of vote tallying, the detention of opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, and the closure of courts during the period for challenging presidential results. She questions whether the country's democratic institutions are adequately protecting constitutional rights, although the Government has disputed allegations surrounding some of these events and the accused opposition figures face criminal charges that remain before the courts.

Despite her concerns, Kasonde says Zambia’s history offers reasons for hope. She recalls how civil society organisations, churches, lawyers and ordinary citizens resisted efforts to extend President Frederick Chiluba’s rule and helped defend multiparty democracy. She argues that Zambia’s democratic future will depend not only on political leaders but also on citizens remaining vigilant and willing to defend constitutional freedoms.