An Analysis of Political Violence on Democratic Governance in Lusaka: Case-Study

This study is an analysis of political violence on democratic governance. In addition, it evaluates the effectiveness of the management of electoral processes in Zambia by the Conflict Management Committees. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of violence on governance in Zambia, to determine the participation levels of citizens especially youths in politics, to ascertain the causes of and effects of political violence on voters and lastly to establish the role of the government in mitigating political violence. A case study research design was used in this study. Structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interview from Key Informants were the main instrument for data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were processed using Stata and Excel software for analysis. The study found that the strategy used by the committees, ECZ and the police in resolving electoral conflicts was mediation. Lack of a legal framework was cited as a major setback in the management of the phenomena and in the enforcement of the Electoral Act. To this effect, the study has established strategies of improving the performance of committees. The strategies are: increasing educational awareness activities, increasing access to committees and other institution that manage election and importantly, strengthen the legal mandate. Based on the findings, the study recommended to ECZ among other things that a legal framework be attached to support the operations of CMCs and that political parties should address electoral violence.