THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION: A

CASE OF SELECTED TOWNSHIPS OF LUSAKA DISTRICT.

BY

MUSONDA PATRICIA

A Dissertation Submitted to the University of Zambia in collaboration with Zimbabwe Open

University in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Masters of
Science in Peace Leadership and Conflict Studies.

The University of Zambia in collaboration with Zimbabwe Open University

Lusaka

2017

i
 DECLARATION

I declare that THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ZAMBIA’S DEMOCRATIC

DISPENSATION: A CASE OF SELECTED TOWNSHIPS OF LUSAKA DISTRICT is my
own work and that all the sources I have used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged
by means of complete reference.

------------------------- ---------------------------

SIGNATURE DATE

PATRICIA MUSONDA (MS.)

Student Reference Number: 715810941

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 COPY RIGHT DECLARATION

All rights reserved. No part of this dissertation may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying,
recording, scanning or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author or the
University of Zambia.

© Patricia Musonda, 2017.

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 DEDICATION

To my family, friends and relatives for always being with me. It has been a long journey but
through thick and thin you have been with me each and every step of the way. For all you have
done, may God continue to richly bless you and may His grace and favour continue to follow
you all the rest of your days.

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 APPROVAL

This dissertation of Patricia Musonda is hereby approved as fulfilling the requirements for the
degree of Master of Science in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution by the University of
Zambia in collaboration with Zimbabwe Open University.

Signed:____________________________ Date __________________________________

Signed: ____________________________ Date: __________________________________

Signed: ____________________________ Date: __________________________________

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, to God is the glory. I would not have managed in my own strength to
complete this project if it were not for His mercy and grace which is always sufficient, I thank
God through His son Jesus for being with me.

I am most grateful to all these who have helped directly or indirectly in the production of this
research paper. I render my special thanks to my research supervisor Dr Hambulo and all
lecturers at the University of Zambia for the continued guidance and support.

Finally, thanks go to my family and friends for their patience and prayers, and their constant and
persistent encouragement which helped me pull me through this challenging academic task.

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 LIST OF ABREVIATIONS

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AU African Union

CSO Civil Society Organisation

EISA Electoral Institute of Southern Africa

IDEA International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

ILO International Labour Organisation

IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union

LSE London School of Economics

MINDS Mandela Institute for Development Studies

MMD Movement for Multi-Party Democracy

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

SIDA Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency

UN United Nations

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNIP United National Independent Party

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 ABSTRACT

This research was based on the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation in
selected townships of Lusaka district. Its main purpose was to establish the role of the youth in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and also suggest possible ways to enhance proper youth
participation. The study was guided by the following main research question ‗What is the role of
the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation? This question formed the main basis for the
achievement of the study‘s overarching purpose outlined above. A qualitative methodology was
used to gather data for this research. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and
focus group interviews/discussion. The research participants included: political party youth
leaders, community youth leaders and youths from selected townships of Lusaka district.

The following findings resulted from the study: Youths have been marginalised in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation, they have been used as tools of violence, participating in negative
vices such as riots and political party fights as political cadres, their image has been destroyed
and they cannot be trusted; Youths should stand as councilors and members of parliament
representing their community, they should also engage in educating community members on
national political matters; Youth participation enhances Democracy through the various activities
that the youth take part in such as voting, discussions and debates on television and radio;
Youths encounter a number of challenges such as unemployment, lack of practical skills, lack of
funds, marginalization and all these hinder effective youth participation; A number of strategies
can be suggested to enhance effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation
such as providing youth with necessary practical skills, creating employment and provide funds
for entrepreneurial ventures.

The main conclusion of the study was that youths have been greatly marginalised in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation and their image has been destroyed over the years. The leaders in
power choose to use the youths as tools of violence, playing the role of political cadres and
pushing political agendas. Youths could play more formidable roles such councilors, members of
parliament, engaging in national discussions on policy issues and also sensitising community
members on important national matters. This is all because youth participation enhances
democracy through the above stated activities. The Youth encounter challenges that hinder and
block their effective participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and as such efforts
should be made to address such challenges. One of the main Recommendations pointed out by
the study is that more youths should be appointed to leadership positions and that employment

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and funds should be provided to the youth in order to enable them stand on their own as well as
enhance their effective participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

Key terms: Democracy; Dispensation; Youth; Politics; Violence; Strategies; Identity;

Participation, Challenge; Enhance

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Declaration……………………………………………………………………………………...….i

Copy Right Declaration…………………………………………………………………………...ii

Dedication………………………………………………………………………………………...iii

Approval………………………………………………………………………………………….iv

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………..…v

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations……………………………………………………………..vi

Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………..vii

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………ix

List of Tables and Figures………………………………………………………………………xiv

List of Appendices……………………………………………………………………………….xv

Chapter One. ………………………………………………………………………………….....1

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….1

Background of the Study…………………………………………………………………….....…1

1.0. Overview…………………………………………….……………………………………......1

1.1. Background of the Study………..…………………………………………………….….......1

1.2. Statement of the Problem………..……………………………………………………............3

1.3. Research Questions and Objectives…………………………………………………………..3

1.3.1. General Research Objective…...……………………………………………………………3

ix
1.3.2. Specific Research Objective…………………………...…………………………………...3

1.3.3. General Research Question…………………………………………………........................3

1.3.4. Specific Research Questions…………………………………………………………...…...4

1.4. Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………..4

1.5. Limitations and Delimitations of the Study……………..………………...….........................5

1.5.1. Limitations of the Study……………………………………………………………..…......5

1.5.2. Delimitations of the Study……………………………………………………...…………..5

1.6. Operational Definitions…………….………………………………………………………....5

1.7. Conceptual and Theoretical Framework……………………..……………………..……...…6

1.7.1. Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………………...…...6

1.7.2. Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………………..…...8

1.8. Summary……………………………………………………………………………..………9

Chapter Two…………..…………………………………………………………………….….10

Literature Review……………………………………………………………………………...…10

2.0. Overview………………………………………………………………………...…………..10

2.1. Democracy and the Youth………………………………………………………...………...10

2.1.1. What is Democracy…...…………………………………………………………………...10

2.1.2. What is Meant by Youth?.......………………………………………………………..…...16

2.2. Youth Participation in Zambian Politics: Historical

Perspective…………………………………………………………………………………..17

2.3. Youth Participation in Politics: A Contemporary

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 Global Perspective……………………………………………………………………….......21

2.4. Challenges Faced by Youths in Politics: A Global

Perspective…………………………………………………………………………………..28

2.5. Worldwide Strategies to Enhance Youth

Participation in Democratic Politics……………………………...…………………….........32

2.6. Review of Related Studies on Youth Participation

in Politics…………………………………………………………………………………….36

2.6.1. Youth Participation in Politics: Global Perspective……………...…………………...…...36

2.6.2. Youth participation in politics: African Perspective………………….…………………...38

2.6.3. Identified Gap……...……………………………………………………………………...39

2.7 Summary…….……………………………………………………………………………….39

Chapter Three………………………………………………………………………………….41

Research Methodology………………………………………………………………………….41

3.0. Overview….………………………………………………………………………………....41

3.1. Research Design…….…………………………………………………………...…………..41

3.2. Target Population……………………………………………………………………………42

3.2.1. Break Down Of Target Population……...…………………………………………….......42

3.3. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques……………………………………………………..43

3.4. Data Collection Methods and Instruments…………………...…………..…………………43

3.5. Data Analysis…...……………………………………...……………………………………44

3.6. Ethical Considerations…………...………………………………………………………….45

3.7. Summary…………………………………………………………………………………….45

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Chapter Four………………………………………………………………………………….46

Presentation of Findings………………………………………………………………………...46

4.0. Overview…………..…………………………………………………………………..........46

4.1. Presentation of Research Findings (Semi-Structured Interviews)

4.1.1. The Participation of the Youth in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation………………………………………………................................................48

4.1.2. How Youths can/should Participate in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation…………………………………………………………………………….48

4.1.3. The Role of the Youth in Enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation……………………………………………………………………………...49

4.1.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation……………………………………………………………………..............50

4.1.5. Measures/ Strategies to Enhance Effective Youth Participation in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation……………………………………………………………….51

4.2. Presentation of Research Findings ( Focus Group Discussions/ Interviews)

4.2.1. The Participation of the Youth in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation………………………………………………………………………………..52

4.2.2. How Youth can/should Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation………………………………………………………………………………..52

4.2.3. The Role of the Youth in Enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation……………………………………………………………………..................53

4.2.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia‘

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 Democratic Dispensation……………………………………………………………….....54

4.2.5. Measures/Strategies to Enhance Youth Participation in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation…………………………………………………………………..54

4.3. Summary…………………………………………………...………………………………..55

Chapter Five…………………………………………………………………………………..57

Discussion of Findings…………………………………………………………………………57

5.0. Overview…...………………………………………………………………………………..57

5.1. The Participation of the Youth in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation……………………………………………………………………………….....57

5.2. How Youths Should Participate in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation…………………………………………………………………………………58

5.3. The Role of the Youth in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation………………………………………………………………………………….59

5.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation…………………………………………………………………….61

5.5. Measures/Strategies to Enhance Effective Youth Participation in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation……………………………………………………………………..62

5.6. Summary………………………………………………………………………...…………..64

Chapter Six..………………………………………………………………………………….…65

Conclusions and Recommendations……………………………..………………………………65

6.0. Overview…..………………………………………………………………………………...65

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6.1. Conclusions of the study…..………...……………………………………………………...65

6.2. Recommendation of the study………………………………………………………………67

6.3. Summary…………………………………………………………………………………….67

References………………………………………………………………………………………..69

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1:

Demographic Representation of Youth Leaders…………………………………………….46

Table 2:

Demographic Representation of Youths……………………………………………………..47

Figure 1:

Summary of Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………….7

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A:

Information Later………………………………………………………………………………...73

Appendix B:

Semi-Structured Interview Schedule for Political and Community Youth

Leaders…………………………………………………………………………………………..74

Appendix C:

Focus group Interview Schedule for Youths……………………………………………………76

Appendix D:

Work Plan………………………………………………………………………………………..77

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Appendix E:

Proposed
Budget………………………………………………………………………………....................79

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0. Overview

This chapter contains various components which give a broad outline of the research topic itself.
The chapter opens by giving the background information on youth participation in Zambia‘s
democratic dispensation with regards to the past and present situations. Afterwards focus is
shifted to a discussion of the purpose of the study. The statement of the problem will also be
stated in this chapter before focus is shifted to the objectives of the study, the research questions,
as well as the significance of the study. The limitations and delimitations of the study will also be
outlined in this chapter, the chapter will also close with a summary.

1.1. Background of the study

Youth involvement in issues of democracy has been a worldwide call among most Western and
African countries. Meyer (2015) states that the topic of the role and participation of the youths in
democracy and politics has found its place on the global agenda and young people being key to
effective decision making especially for the growth of democracy. Most Western countries
uphold the idea and belief that the youth should fully and actively play a role in democracy by
participating through various means. However, in Africa and Zambia in particular, succeeding
governments and political leaders since independence (1964) have been unable to fully uphold
this belief and idea.

The youth in Zambia have been over looked in the political arena since independence (1964).
According to Minds (2016:66),‗‗Zambia has a long history of youth political activism, including
during the time of the movement for independence from colonial rule by Britain. However, the
youth are generally under-represented both in the government and in political parties since
independence‘‘. Before independence, the youth were the ones mostly involved in the liberation
struggle and it was this generation of youths that took over leadership from the colonial masters
to usher in a new nation state and democracy (Burns, 2008:59). In the first republic after
independence, the generation of young leaders who took over from the colonial masters, did not
do much in nurturing and creating an enabling environment for the much younger generation to
play their role in the new democratic country. As years progressed, most political leaders were
no longer youths and had stayed too long in power, most were in confrontation with one another,
over the leadership positions leaving the youths to only play a role in their leadership battles and

1
this in itself did not help democracy to grow in Zambia (Burns, 2008:58). Morgan (2010:66) also
explains that, the leaders of the new Zambia, where not so accommodative of the youths, with
leadership positions going around amongst themselves with Kaunda‘s cabinet comprising no
young individuals, leaving youths with no role to play in the new democratic Zambia except that
of following instructions of political party leaders. The introduction of a one-party system, in the
second republic (1972), saw democracy being shutout and to a greater extent hindering the
youths from taking part and playing a role in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation .

Towards the end of the 1980s before the inception of democracy, Fredrick Chiluba worked with
youths of different backgrounds from university students to the uneducated youths, all these
played a huge role in the re-introduction of the multy-party system. Youths took a leading role in
demonstrations and protests and as a result, these actions coupled with many other efforts of
individuals, democracy was ushered back into Zambia in 1991 and Fredrick Chiluba became the
president. According to Mahuku and Mbanje (2013:9), ‗‗Students and human rigths activists
championed the democratisation agenda and called for an end to Kenneth Kaunda‘s one party
system. Real political change was now sweeping across Zambia‘s political landscape‖. Despite
the active participation of the youths in ushering democracy back to Zambia‘s governance, the
chance at playing full roles in this new democracy for most youths was shattered, as had been in
the past. Ministerial positions and the ruling party itself had become infiltrated with older
members, some of whom were from the former ruling party, leaving certain positions to be
occupied by a few selected youths (Nkoya, 2009:78).

Youths also played a huge role in the 2011 elections, leading to the change demanded by most
Zambians yet the youth were not fully incorporated and accommodated by the new government.
According to Nyimbili (2012:19), ―The cabinet contains no youth representation in parliament is
minimal translating to only 5% while the judiciary has no representation of young people, other
levels such as Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary claim less than 1% and 0% youth
representation‖. Phiri (2008:1) further argues that continuing from 1991 to the present times, the
youth‘s role in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation has only been ‗seasonal‘ in times of major
country events such as struggles and elections at political party as well as national level. The
youth have not been fully incorporated and accommodated in democratic dispensation and in
most instances their involvement has been in political violence leading to their image being
destroyed and also not playing a positive role in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. This raises a
question as to what is the actual role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation? It is

2
against this background that this research was conducted to investigate the role of the youth in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Since Zambia‘s independence (1964) and the inception of democracy in 1991 to date, Zambian
political leaders have again and again pointed at the youth as the future leaders of Zambia.
Zambia is a youthful country with approximately 74% of its 14 million total population under the
age of 30, 28% are 15 to 29 years old (Policy Monitoring and Research Center, 2015:5). The
national youth policy has been formulated in recent years, according to Nyimbili (2012:13),
‗‗National youth policy advocates for youth participation at all levels of public and private sector
planning in political organisations‖. Despite such measures, Phiri (2008:1) states that, youths in
Zambia keep being side-lined in Zambia‘s political arena, this is evidenced in the appointment of
veteran politicians in ministerial jobs, political administrative offices, ambassadorial postings
and generally senior party positions. Most of these positions are of particular importance as they
would enable the youth to play a role in decision making and policy formulation as a way of
promoting Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. This state of affairs raises a question as to what is
the actual role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation? and as such this research was
carried out to provide valuable information on the role of the youths in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation.

1.3. Research Objectives and Questions

1.3.1. General Research Objective

The General Objective of this study was to establish the role of the youth in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation

1.3.2. Specific Research Objectives

1. To establish whether Zambian youth participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

2. To establish how youth participation in Zambian politics enhances Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation.

3. To find out the challenges faced by the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

3
4. To provide strategies to enhance proper youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation.

1.3.3. General Research Question

What is the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation ?

1.3.4. Specific Research Questions

1. How do Zambian youth participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

2. How does youth participation in Zambian politics enhance Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation?

3. What challenges do the youths encounter/face in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

4. What strategies can be suggested for the enhancement of proper youth participation in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

1.4. Significance of the Study

The study would provide information/knowledge on the actual role of the youths in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation in the light of the current prevailing issues with focus on youth
participation. Giving information on how the youth should participate in the current political
system in Zambia.

The study would further contribute to existing literature on youth democracy and civic
responsibility with focus on their role and participation in Zambia‘s current political system,
more literature would be added to what is there, also as a means of checking their progress and
as a means of reference now and in future.

The study would widen the scope of the investigation by providing information on youth
enhancement of Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, this is to make aware and inform the large
audience that the participation of the youth is very vital for the promotion and growth of
democracy; that without them participating effectively, Zambia‘s democratic political system
will not grow and flourish.

The study would further provide extensive information on the challenges youth encounter in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, this is to make government and other political stakeholders

4
aware and bring to light some of the factors that handicap the youth from participating
effectively in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

It would also assist political parties and the government as they plan and look towards the future
of Zambian politics so as to make sure that the youth are not disadvantaged in any manner and
for Zambian democracy to grow and flourish.

Suggestions on how the youth can participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation would also
be provided, this is to make sure that what needs to change and what needs to be put in place is
worked on, such that the youth would participate properly for the promotion of Zambia‘s
democracy.

It is also hoped that the finding of the study would help government, political leaders, the youth
and other stakeholders of Zambia‘s democracy to come up with agreed policies and
recommendations that would help in creating an enabling environment for youths to participate
more and fully in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

1.5. Limitations and Delimitations of the Study

1.5.1. Limitations of the study

It is a well-known fact that no study is free from limitation. As noted by Yun (2000) that there is
no perfect research design and every research process has trade-offs. Time and finances were the
major limiting factors in this research. The research was conducted in selected townships of
Lusaka district, it was limited in representation since it focused on a few units, that is, just one
district, hence only limited valid generalisation was on the population from which the units are
drown.

1.5.2. Delimitations of the Study

The study focused on youths, political party youth leaders and community youth leaders. The
reason for this was that this study was purely qualitative in nature to be conducted through
interviews and focus group discussion. As a result this approach was capable of generating
detailed information/data from the stated pool of individuals and organisations in Lusaka
District, forming the representative sample.

5
1.6. Operational Definitions

Democracy: government by the people, a form of government in which the supreme power is
vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free
electoral system.

Dispensation: a political or religious system controlling a country at a particular time.

Participatory Democracy: individual participation by citizen in political decision and policy

making that affect their lives.

Youth: The Zambian national policy defines a youth as a male or female person aged 15 and 35.

1.7. Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

1.7.1. Conceptual Framework

According to Kumar (2005), Conceptual frameworks are a type of intermediate theory that
attempts to connect to all aspects of inquiry for example problem definition, purpose, literature
review, methodology, data collection and analysis. Conceptual frameworks could also act like
maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry. Given that conceptual frameworks are potentially
so close to empirical inquiry, they take diverse structures depending upon the research question
or problem under study.

This conceptual framework was developed to conduct the study and reach the objectives
mentioned above. It was created in such a way that it would completely support the building of
this study. In this model the independent variables are chosen as those important and necessary
for effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. Education was stated
among the independent variables. In any country the education of the citizens especially the
youth is very important for them to be able to articulate issues and contribute to society by giving
valuable knowledge and information through participation. For a nation‘s youth to participating
and contributing properly to society, it is important that a national youth policy is in place, laying
out their role and also stating their importance. Political will is also another important aspect that
needs to be shown by those already in leadership. It is important that those who are already in
leadership show that they are willing to nature the youths who are the future leaders by making
participate in many different ways. The determination of the youth is another aspect that is
important for effective youth participation and for Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation to bear
fruit. The youths themselves must be determined enough to want to participate in all political

6
activities at all levels as well as other important national activities. From all the independent
variables stated above, the result is effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation and eventually the promotion of Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

Figure 1
INDEPENDENT
VARIABLE
i. Education
ii. Youth policy
iii. Political will
iv. Youth determination

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

 Effective Youth
Participation in
Zambian politics

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

 Promotion of
Zambia’s Democratic
Dispensation

1.7.2. Theoretical Framework

7
The Participatory theory of Democracy as postulated by Pateman (1970) served as the theoretical
framework for the study. The participatory model of democracy put the greatest emphasis on
citizen political engagement. With respect to citizen participation, participatory democracy
involves extensive and active engagement of citizens in the governing process; it means
government not just for but by and of the people. Political participation is characterized by direct
and immediate involvement in the process of decision making by the individuals concerned. In
relation to this study, this theory states that, the citizens, who are the youth in this case and also
the majority have to be fully engaged in governance processes in every political system that is
based on democracy (Dayican, 2010:37).

The theory as postulated by Pateman (1970) also stated that participation in elections is therefore
a necessary but far from sufficient precondition for a democracy to blossom. Citizens should also
be involved in the decision-making process through raising demands, suggesting solutions, and
even taking the decisions. The second point characterizing participatory democracy is the
formation of a collective will. Since democratic politics are controlled by the collective will of
the demos and its purpose ought to be the pursuit of common goods (Dayican, 2010:38).

In this case the participatory model is one where maximum input (participation) is required and
where output includes not just policies (decisions) but also the development of the social and
political capacities of each individual, so that there is ‗feedback‘ from output to input. Thus
Pateman (1970) stated that the participatory model of democracy depends on citizen
participation, and increases in citizen participation would mean in this case the promotion of the
democratic dispensation. This model of democracy generally views elections only as too weak in
the function of transmitting information from citizens to the political system. Thus, political
participation beyond electoral activity is supposed to make the system more responsive to
citizens‘ (in this case the youth) needs and preferences. Political participation is also believed to
contribute to the development of citizens. Thus, the participatory theory viewed political
participation not only as a means of arriving at decisions, but also as a means of developing the
democratic personality of the youth especially. The participatory theory also sees the
development of political competences as a consequence (or as a goal) of political participation
(Dayican, 2010:38)

As pointed out above the participatory theory of democratic does not define democracy in a
narrow sense but in a broad sense. The main focus of this study was to establish the role of the
youth in democracy and that in line with this theory the youths should be more engaged in the

8
process of governance in democratic political system. The focus of this theory is not only on free
and fair elections and on citizens voting their representatives at regular intervals who are
subsequently mandated to take decisions in the name of citizens, the main concern here is the
terms of participation relating to citizen who are the youths in this case being fully involved not
only at the period of elections or ‗struggles‘ so to say. As pointed out by participatory models of
democracy and by theories foregrounding the importance of civic cultures, democratic
participation is about more than the duty to vote every 4 or 5 years (Dayican, 2010:15). As such,
a broader conception of democratic participation stresses the value of citizens‘ in this case youth
participation in civil society organisations and social movements, student participation in the
governance of schools and universities, youth participation in professional contexts, as well as
democratic participation in the family.

As Pateman (1970: 42) explains, a civic or democratic culture of participation needs to go

beyond the formal political process in order to sustain the legitimacy of democracy. The non-
engagement and most times non-existence of the youth in institutions at national level is not
sufficient for democracy, for maximum participation by all the people,( the youth in this case) at
that socialization level, or social training, democracy must take place in other spheres in order
that the necessary individual attitudes and psychological qualities can be developed. Thus, the
participatory theory views political participation not only as a means of arriving at decisions, but
also as a means of developing the democratic personality .This development takes place through
the process of participation itself. In this study, we adopted a broad conception of participation
which goes beyond voting without disregarding the importance of voting as well as engagement
of the youth in important issues as a democratic practice.

1.8. Summary

This chapter described the nature of the problem under investigation, the significance of the
investigation, the possible delimitations and limitations of the investigation and the possible
contribution that the researcher hopes to make in the study area. In short, the aim of this chapter
was to put the whole research project into perspective. The next chapter focuses on the reviewed
literature and related studies pertaining to youth participation in Democratic Dispensation.

9
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0. Overview

This chapter reveals related literature on youth participation in politics, specifically their role in
the Democratic Dispensation. The chapter reveals literature on Democracy and participation of
youths. This is done from a global perspective and an African perspective. The chapter also
outlines the challenges that youth encounter in participating in Democratic Dispensation,
strategies to enhance effective youth participated are also outlined in this chapter. The chapter
also identifies the research gap to be filled by this study and closes with a summary.

2.1. Democracy and the Youth

2.1.1. What is Democracy ?

The term ―democracy‖ is derived from two Greek words –demos (or people) and kratos (rule). In
simple terms, then, democracy is the rule of the people, by the people, for the people. Simple as
this definition might appear to be, societies and groups within society have historically fought
over who exactly ―the people‖ are. In the Greek City states, which are innocently presented by
modern political theorists as prototypes of democracies, women and slaves had no citizenship
rights. They were not ―people.‖ In the 19th century in many of today‘s liberal democracies, only
a tiny fraction of property-owning males (usually above 30) were ―the people‖ with recognizable
human rights, as will be indicated shortly (Daunton,2010:47). Today, however, there seems to be
broad agreement that democracy is a system of governance where power and civic responsibility
are, ideally, exercised directly by all citizens. Unfortunately, the practice is different. The
―people‖ typically exercise their power indirectly through elected representatives.

Democracy has become a universal phenomenon, most especially after the end of the cold war.
As Ake (2010:288) noted, at the end of the cold war, democracy appears to be triumphant and
unassailable, its universalization is only a matter of time. As it were, democracy has become the
unifying discourse which is supposed to tame national and international politics and to foster
peaceful coexistence in a world set at odds by the ideological struggles of the cold war.
Democracy has its origin in the ancient Greek city state and by its operationalisation and
practice, during this period, the definition is uncharacteristically precise. It means popular of
power, which connotes a solemn recognition that power belongs to the people. This original

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understanding of democracy was exemplified by the former American president, Abraham
Lincoln who defined democracy as the government of the people by the people and for the
people. This implies that even representative democracy which has become a corollary to
accommodate the complexities of modern state is based on the understanding that by electing
public offices to represent them, the people are actively involved in the process of governance.

According to Schmitter (2010:76), modern democracy ―is a system of governance in which

rulers are held accountable for their actions in the public realm by citizens, acting indirectly
through the competition and cooperation of the elected representatives‖. For Karl (2010:25), it is
the responsiveness of government to the preferences of its citizens (who are, in theory, ―political
equals‖ of the rulers), that is the key characteristic of democracy. Such responsiveness requires
that citizens have opportunities to formulate their preferences, articulate them and have them
considered in the conduct of the business of government.

These credentials of democracy according to Karl (2010:25) are in turn, dependent on the
following institutional guarantees that are central to the proverbial ―Western‖ liberal
democracies.

 Freedom of expression;
 The right to alternative sources of information, guaranteed, among other things, by a free
press that is unencumbered by restrictive state legislation;
 Right to vote or be voted into public office;
 Regular, free and fair elections;
 The right to private property;
 Freedom to form and join organizations (such as political parties);
 Rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens;
 Protection of the human rights of all citizens.

More recently, Anderson (2008:77) added that, the list has been expanded to include the ―right‖
to good governance. The right to good democratic governance is guaranteed by the separation of
powers between the five arms of the modern state – the executive, the legislature, the judiciary,
the civil service and the military. The doctrine of separation of powers is designed to build
institutions that guard against arbitrary rule via a system of checks and balances. The biggest
danger to the separation of powers is usually the executive. The ―famous‖ maxim of King Louis
IV –L‘etat c‘est moi! (I am the state!) – is inadvertently operationalised by modern executives
who compromise the independence of the judiciary (via, for example, ―stuffing the courts‖ with

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―politically correct‖ judges). Theorists such as John Locke, Jean-Jacquie Rousseau and
Montesquieu, mainstream political scientists argue that the state has three arms – the executive,
the legislature and the judiciary and these should be able to operate on their own but
unfortunately in modern countries, this, we like to contend, is not so, as modern state fail to
practice the principle of separation of powers. Modern executives stuff legislatures with loyalists,
politicize the civil service, or even weaken the party system by sponsoring and/or bribing
selected leaders of the opposition to support the ruling party. Yet, in democratic theory, political
parties are voluntary organizations that are supposed to promote democracy. Whereas the
judiciary, the legislature and the judiciary promote horizontal accountability, vertical
accountability is promoted by political parties, which link the people and government.

Another key factor in democratic politics Eisa (2016:22) added, is that citizens become
accustomed to participating in political processes through political institutions, civil society,
political parties, the act of voting, expression of opinion between and during elections, making
regular contact with elected representatives, etc. The design of democracy by the elite is not
enough if citizens only engage with the diverse processes of democracy periodically. Unless
citizens, especially young people, have faith in democratic institutions and unless they engage in
large numbers with the various processes of self-governance, democracy might end up being no
more than an empty shell, devoid of substance and merely providing a veneer of democracy for
dictators and authoritarian regimes.

UNDP (2002:34) also posited that, parties organize campaigns, recruit candidates and mobilize
the political community to participate in the selection of office bearers. The goal of party
activism is to build institutions and shape public politics, policies and laws that impact the rights
and welfare of the political community. In competitive multi-party politics, the party that is
elected to form government seeks to enact into law a number of policies and programs
(oftentimes consistent with their election manifesto). Opposition parties are free to criticize the
ruling party‘s policies, ideas and programs and offer alternatives. Democratic parties recognize
and respect the authority of the elected government even when their party leaders are not in
power. This is possible because democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance,
cooperation and compromise.

UNDP (2002:34) further stated that, Democracies recognize that consensus building requires
compromise and tolerance. As Mahatma Gandhi famously argued, ―intolerance is itself a form of
violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit‘‘. The notion of a loyal

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opposition is central to any democracy. It means that all sides in the political debate, however
deep their differences, share the fundamental democratic values of freedom of speech, the rule of
law and equal protection under the law. Parties that lose elections become the opposition. The
opposition, then, is essentially a ―government-in the-waiting.‖ For a culture of democracy to take
hold, opposition parties need to have the confidence that the political system will guarantee their
right to organize, speak, dissent and/or criticize the party in power. Opposition parties also need
to be assured that in due course, they will have a chance to campaign and re-seek the peoples
mandate in and through regular, free and fair elections. It follows, therefore, that the culture of
democracy rests on the principle of majority rule, coupled with tolerance of dissenting views.

UNDP (2002:35) went on to argue that, Democracy also calls for the zealous protection of the
fundamental rights of individuals, disadvantaged groups and minorities, even when they disagree
with the ideology, policies and programs of the ruling party. This suggests that non-majoritarian
governance is possible or even desirable. By ―non-majoritarian‖ governance is meant a system of
rule that strikes an acceptable balance between the rights of the majority (expressed through free
and fair elections) and the duty of the polity to accommodate the rights of minorities and
maginalized social groups (such as women and the ―differently abled‖ people). Non-majoritarian
governance is critical of the ―winner-takes it-all‖ ideology of Western liberal democracy. It is
driven by the logic of inclusive politics and sharing power among rival claimants to scarce public
resources such as power or official jobs.

Participation is an integral part of a democracy‘s foundation. Without an active citizenry,

democracy would crumble. Participation is a loaded term as it can mean many different things.
There is a plethora of methods by which people can act and influence politics and governance.
Print (2007:55), layed out three categories of ‗engagement indicators‘ within democracy: civic
indicators, electoral indicators and political engagement indicators. Civic forms of participation
include group membership, volunteering with civil service organizations, and working towards
solving community problems. Electoral indicators include voting in elections, donating to
political candidates/parties, and campaigning alongside political candidates/issues during an
electoral cycle. Meanwhile, political engagement indicators include somewhat unconventional
means by which to participate that include protests, boycotts, reaching out to the media or
candidates regarding issues, and utilizing the internet to create political change Of all the forms
listed above electoral methods of participation are most commonly used by citizens of a
democracy.

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Of all the forms listed above electoral methods of participation are most commonly used by
citizens of a democracy. Print (2007:55) wrote, ―Voting is argued to be the least problematic,
requiring the least resources and what is potentially the most powerful for most people.‖ Perhaps
many people are more inclined to vote than to join a civic organization or protest because voting
arguably requires less commitment and energy.

Nevertheless, all of these forms of participation are used, at least from time to time, in a thriving
democratic state. A healthy democracy requires, or at least invokes, every citizen to play a
crucial role in maintaining and preserving democratic principles through these methods of
participation. Liebenberg (2010:79) agreed when he writes, ―Although there is disagreement as
to what the optimum level of participation should be to guarantee a functional democracy, they
key dictum remains, participation by citizens at various levels is essential to make democratic
society work.‖

Political participation is also differently explained by Guaba (2013:45) as the active involvement
of citizens in matters of political interest which include formation and implementation of public
policies, voting, contesting for political office, campaigning for a political party, contributing to
community projects, lobbying for government projects, organizing demonstrations and
expressing grievances even through violence. Therefore, there are two dominant ways that
youths can participate or contribute to the political advancement of their society. It can be
through rational or acceptable means such as voting, contesting and expressing group opinion; or
it can take unconventional (non-rational) means such as violent demonstration. The way and
manner which people choose to participate in politics is the function of the nature and orientation
of the political system.

The European Charter (2012:30) pointed out that, ―Participation and active citizenship is about
having the right, the means, the space and the opportunity and where necessary the support to
participate in and influence decisions and engage in actions and activities so as to contribute to
building a better society‖. This definition encompasses two ways of participating: engagement in
the decision making process in a system of representative institutions at local, national and
international level; and engagement in actions and activities in civil society, like cultural or
social action or activities in the field of non-formal education and information. Similarly one can
talk about modern or established and current forms of participation (representative participation
and direct participation with all their current variants, such as NGO-based structures, co-
management, youth parliaments, school councils, youth hearings or demonstrations) and about

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post-modern or emergent and future forms of participation, like the various types of expressive,
emotional, aesthetic, cultural and digital participation.

The cornerstone of democratic governance is inclusive participation in political processes. IPU

(2014:66) asserted that, it determines the dynamics of the structure and distribution of political
power and the consequent nature of political and economic institutions that shape the political
and economic trajectory of the society. Thus youth participation can take many forms, ranging
from participating in elections through voting or vying for leadership positions. Under party
politics, it can be seen in terms of attending public meetings, drafting policies and effectively
mobilizing and advocating their implementation, attending campaigns, campaigning for
preferred candidates etc. Second, when a significant segment of society is not included in
political debates and decision-making, their policy interests may be overlooked, advertently or
inadvertently and the sources they may bring to politics may be lost, to the detriment of all. The
participation of young people can be crucial to prevent the ills affecting them in particular and
for enhancing democracy and placing new issues on the political agenda.

SIDA (2013:12) in their study found that, the Zambian experience illustrates that among other
things, political participation embraces a wide range of citizen behaviours from registering to
vote, actually voting in various types of elections, attending community meetings and elections
rallies, campaigning, lobbying and representatives and officials, writing letters and signing
petitions and when all else fails, assembling for demonstrations. Factor analysis done on political
participation in Zambia by Bratton, Alderfer and Simutanyi in 1997 reveals that in Zambia,
participation has three dimensions namely-voting ―contacting‖ and ―communing‖ and these are
in a good part consistent with patterns of participation elsewhere in the world .

This study also showed that community based action (communing) and face to face interactions
with political representatives (contacting) is what Zambians regard to be more important about
democracy as compared to voting. The analysis further shows that there are mainly three
determinants of political participation: socio-economic, attitudinal and institutional. According to
the above study, socio-economic factors include age, gender, and residential location and
education factors influence influence citizens‘ active participation in democracy. In addition
political attitudes shape citizen's interest in politics and a citizen's assessment of the performance
of the local government councillor influences the ability and willingness to participate in
processes that have an impact on governance (SIDA, 2013:13).

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SIDA (2013:13) further went on arguing that, institutional arrangement is another important
determination of citizen‘s political participation. In Zambia, two political institutions constitute
platforms to active citizenship, that is, voter registration and political party membership.
Beginning with voter registration up-to the time of vote casting, this platform provides different
avenues that influence activity engagement of citizens in the overall democratic process. For
example, the above study established that voting increased the likelihood that individuals would
discuss politics, attend community meetings, and contact a national political leader. In addition,
citizens belonging to political parties and are dully registered with the party are more likely to
vote in elections, and engage in contacting and communing behaviours.

2.1.2 What is Meant by The Term Youth?

The term can generally be used to refer to young people between 18-35, although the varies from
culture to culture. These groups of people have certain qualities which make them stand out in
the population of any society. They are more critical of their society than other age grades. As
Resnick and Casale (2011), observed, no society can effectively develop socially, economically
and politically without harnessing and utilizing its youths. The African Youth Charter (2006:2),
―The youth phase of life is an interesting and important phase of the development of any human
society‖. It is clearly stated from the two documents that youth play the major role in any given
society and in this case Zambia. The African Youth Charter (2006:9) further went on to outline
the responsibilities of the youth and their governments to them, endeavour to realise who they
are, their, their potentialities and contributory efforts to development. Youths with in member
states should organise programmes on youth issues and run them on national TV and radio
stations. National government should integrate youth policies and programmes and strengthen
channels of communication etc. African Youth Charter (2006:10) also stated that, young people
in Africa are a quintessence of energy, initiative and creativity, because they are young they
contribute of can contribute greatly to enhance the economy of our respective nations.

In Zambia, the national youth policy also prioritises youth participation in sectors of the nation.
National Youth Policy (2015), defined a youth as a male or female person aged between 15 and
35 years. The youth policy advocates for youth participate in all political social and economic
development being cognisant that youth encounter a number of challenges and that they should
empowered with skills and funds. Youth have rendered valuable contributions to national
development, they can constitute a reservoir of energy and dynamism for any national struggle
and campaign and if correctly guided, properly mobilised and fully integrated into the scenario

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fabric of the nation it would result to national development. They may also constitute a threat to
national survival and stability if they are allowed to drift, no nation can therefore afford to ignore
and become a major social problem.

2.2. Youth Participation in Zambian Politics: Historical Perspective

The role of the youth in the political development of the modern Zambia dates back to the pre-
independence era. The arrow heads of the nationalist movements in colonial Africa were youth
in their teens and early twenties, who were mostly students of higher institutions of learning both
at home and abroad, Boldwin (1999:45) stated, ‗‗Before the emergence of multiparty democracy
in the southern African region, the nationalist/democratic movements fighting for the liberation
of citizens relied on the mobilisation of young people as a vital source of resistance against
colonial or white minority regimes‖. Boldwin (1999:47) further stated that, young people were
used as the foot soldiers of the liberation forces and accorded a great degree of opportunity for
participation in the periods leading to political liberalisation in the region.

Subsequently after many years of struggle to attain sovereignty and independence, on 24 th

October in 1964, Zambia was officially declared an independent state after many years of British
colonial rule and the name changed from Northern Rhodesia to Zambia. The new state was under
the leadership of Kenneth Kaunda as the head of state, one of the major young leaders during the
liberation struggle who headed the United National Independent Party (UNIP). Many other
young individuals of this generation such as Simone Mwansa Kapwepwe, Mainza Chona all
took up leadership positions in the new independent state.

However, many years after independence into modern Zambia, the opportunities and
mechanisms for effective participation remained and still remain out of reach for young people,
as conscious, active citizens who should be participating in political processes. The years that
followed in the independence era most political leaders had stayed in power for too long, most
were in confrontation with one another over leadership positions and the youths at this point
were only involved in the political battles of the older leaders, Young people were being over
looked in the new political Dispensation of Zambia. The generation of young leaders who took
over from the colonial masters failed to mentor, nurture and create an enabling environment for
the growing younger generation to take over leadership but instead side-lined them. Burns
(2008:58) stated that, in the first republic after independence, the generation of young leaders
who took over from the colonial masters did not do much in nurturing and creating an enabling
environment for the much younger generation to play their role in the new democratic country.

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Geward (1995:9) also recorded, ‗‗The failure of this generation of leaders was their inability to
develop a platform through which the youth could be trained to participate in political
development process‖. Morgan (2010:66) further explained that, the leaders of the new Zambia,
where not so accommodative of the youths, with leadership positions going around amongst
themselves.

In 1972 Zambia become was to become a one party state and in 1973 Kenneth Kaunda was re-
elected as republican president. There were no young people in the new cabinet as old leaders
such as Mainza Chona and Grey Zulu were put back in key leadership positions. Morgan
(2010:66) wrote that, Kaunda‘s cabinet comprised no young individuals, leaving youths with no
role to play in the new democratic Zambia except that of following instructions of political party
leaders. It was in this political period that democracy was replaced with a new political system,
the one-party state system. In the new political system only one political party was to legally
operate, there was not so much of freedom of speech and assembly and this became a huge blow
on/to the youth, eventually leaving the youth with no opportunities effective and full role to play
in new state political system. According to MINDS (2015:55), ‗‗The first generation leaders had
failed to create an environment for youth to play a role in democracy and this problem became
compounded by the many years of military and dictatorship rule where double strategy of co-
optation and suppression was carefully employed to silence dissenting youth who wanted
participation in the political process.‖

Towards the end of the 1980s pressure was mounting on Kaunda to admit and accept democracy
and democratic institutions that would allow the participation of all citizens and this became a
critical factor in legitimising democratic governance. It is very important to also mention here
that youths were again engaged in mounting the very pressure and ultimately the reintroduction
of democracy back in Zambia in 1991. Fredrick Chiluba a trade union leader from the Copper
belt worked with and relied on youths from different backgrounds starting from university
students to the uneducated youths. Mahuku and Mbanje (2013:9) stated, ‗‗Students and human
rights activist championed the democratisation agenda and called for an end to Kenneth
Kaunda‘s one party system. Real political change was now sweeping across Zambia‘s political
land scape‖. Geward (1995:12) also wrote that, the one-party rule in Zambia, which had
officially begun in 1972-73, was ended when the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD),
led by trade unionist Frederick Chiluba, was swept to power in the first multi-party elections
after nearly twenty years.

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Despite the active participation of the youths in ushering democracy back into Zambia
governance, Nkoya (2009:78) recorded that, the chance at playing the full roles in this new
democracy for most youths was shattered, as had been in the past. Ministerial positions and the
ruling party itself had become infiltrated with older members some of whom were from the
former ruling party, leaving certain positions to be occupied by a few selected youths.

MINDS (2016:68) wrote that, youths also played a huge role in the 2011 elections, being at the
forefront and ushering in of the new government led by Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata,
leading to the change demanded by most Zambians. Mulima Nyambe Mubanga, a National
Investigator for Afrobarometer and a consultant at RuralNet Associates Ltd., described the 2011
elections as a ―wind of change‖ that brought about high levels of political engagement among
youth in particular. Restless Development (2014:39) also recorded, ‗‗ Despite their feelings of
marginalization, young people were seen as critical to the outcome of the 2011 general
election—displaying the high impact potential of young people on the political system.

Yet again despite their role in the change of government in 2011, the youths were not fully
incorporated and accommodated by the new government, according to Nyimbili (2012:19), the
cabinet contains few youths, representation in parliament is minimal translating to only 5% while
the judiciary has no representation of young people, other levels such as deputy minister and
permanent secretary claim less than 1% and 0% youth representation. Phiri (2008:5) argued that
Continuing from 1991 to the present times, the youth‘s role in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation
has only been‘ seasonal‘ in times of major country events such as struggles and elections at
political party as well as national level. The youths have not been fully incorporated and
accommodated in democratic dispensation and in most instances their involvement has been in
political violence leading to the image of the youth being destroyed and them not playing a
positive role in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation.

MINDS (2016:68) added that, much of government policy has a direct or indirect impact on the
daily lives of young people nevertheless, they play only a minor role in Zambia‘s decision
making arenas. Youth participants frequently mentioned that they felt excluded from the political
process, as many political leaders are over 50 years old. Even those who are seen to ―represent‖
young people are over 40—leaving leaders out of touch with youth issues and disinterested in
authentically engaging the youth. Young people are social actors with skills and capacities to
bring about constructive solutions to their own problems, but more often than not, government
fails to recognise the legitimacy of young people‘s contribution to programmes, policies and

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decision-making. Youths are seldom consulted or considered in the decisions that affect their
present and future well-being. Reference should be made to the role youths exhibit during times
of struggle and in other important national matters within and outside politics. Young people
should be encouraged to build their capacity in promoting democratic ideals based on political
tolerance, co-existence, and the rule of law, fair and equal justice.

Youth Map Zambia (2014:34) further added that, representation of young people in decision-
making positions has not been a focus of governments past and present, what has been more
emphasised is the gender perspective, through the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) declaration that there should be at least 30% representation of women in decision
making positions. It can be argued clearly that when it comes to opportunities to give young
people a chance to move the wheels of equity and justice, those that that are charged with the
power to facilitate this process completely ignore the young people. For example, sections of
society have argued that youth empowerment and participation for the large part is unfulfilled
and is seen as mere rhetoric. The reality appears that the engagement of young people lies in
mainly in times of struggle and social activities while the existing forms of participation
prohibits young people‘s opinions and desires from entering the public sphere, where they may
gain recognition. By virtue of being young people, they are holders of knowledge that adults do
not possess. The absence of the youth perspective means that adults really do not know what
young people think or even if they want to participate or the way they would like such
participation to occur. It is through dialogue that young people can bring their expertise to the
table, be recognised and inform policy.

In terms of civic participation, Minds (2016:69) argued that, young people are civically engaged
in their communities, primarily through religious activities, sports but less of volunteering and
other important civil activities such as marches, protests and demonstrations. Although young
people are positively involved in their communities through sports and religious activities, they
have limited leadership roles .Young people are not able to take up the challenge of involving
themselves in taking up any role in the communities, especially speaking out on what is not right,
as such, decision making in the communities remains a preserve of the elderly. Young people are
not consulted and are not given chance to take part in planning for their communities as well as
the nation at large. As indicated, in an interview at one of the Council meetings, in which the
person in charge of public relations commented that the issues that are discussed in the chambers
are critical issues, legislation, personal issues, which can only be discussed by the elderly these
are sensitive issues.

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National Youth Policy (2015:5), advocates for youth participation at all levels of public and
private sector planning in political decision making bodies through close cooperation between
government and non-governmental organisations. This policy shows that Youth participation in
decision making of any nation is critical for meaningful development. Young people in Zambia
have the chance of standing as Councilors and Members of Parliament and to basically
contribute in any way possible in their communities. It can conclusively be argued that, young
people are not represented enough and as a result they don‘t play the role they are expected to,
despite their active engagement and participation in very important national political affairs.

2.3. Youth Participation in Politics: A Contemporary Global Perspective

Youth in general are considered as key in society in the sense that they are energetic and viewed
as future leaders in all contemporary societies. They are said to be increasingly disengaging from
politics and feel alienated from political institutions and leaders. The youth fail to directly or
indirectly participate in politics even party politics that establish the government of the day.
Despite the involvement of youth and students in politics during the colonial era, contemporary
Africa and the and the world over are confronted with a new challenge of low level of youth
participation in the new political dispensation. Ntsabane (2013:8) stated,‗‗This is serious as the
strength, depth and sustainability of democratization gains are dependent on the extent of citizen
participation especially among the youth as they are not only in the present but are in the future‖.
This suggests that the sustenance of democracy in the world is contingent on the participation of
young people in party politics and democracy as a whole.

Despite the low levels of youth participation in democratic dispensation, it‘s important that youth
are actively engaged and enabled to participate through establishing deliberate policies as this
will encourages them to play an active role in democratic political system and eventually
enhance democratic dispensation, Danna (2011:14) wrote that, political engagement by the youth
in particular will encourage young people to be more involved and become democratic citizens
as it will foster an interest in growing democracy from the grass roots. If youths are engaged in
social and civic activities, it will make them part of the process rather than making them feel
excluded. Writing on the youths world over, Keulder (2010:7) shares the same sentiments that,
the youth are the elite and the marginalized of tomorrow, but should be encouraged to play an
active role in political activities of their country. To overcome future marginalisation requires
engagement not disengagement from the youth. In this regard, Keulder (2007:9) further claimed
that, political participation can be regarded as a corner stone of democracy and its definition

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could differ from person to person since, naturally, democracy is encouraged by higher level of
industrial development which creates pressure for wider participation in politics. It is through
political participation that citizens are granted the right to elect or vote leaders of their choice and
be elected into office. This can only be a reality if it is valued by its beneficiaries which in this
case are mostly the youth who are future leaders and the majority of the population world over
and especially in Africa.

UNDP (2011:20) in their report stated that, the international community has recognized the
importance of youth participating in political systems as they known to contribute immensely to
the development and growth democracy world over, and as such organisations such as the United
Nations has its commitment to youth empowerment through several international conventions
and UN resolutions . In line with these commitments, UNDP views youth as a positive force for
transformative social change, and aims to help enhance youth political participation. This guide
summarizes some good practices to consider for UNDP, other development practitioners and
electoral stakeholders in working towards that goal.

In the current world and throughout history, youths are known to push for change in their various
societies and communities through their political participation which has eventually lead to the
enhancement of democracy and establishment of societies and communities based on democratic
principles. There are many examples of powerful youth-led protest movements. Youth tend to
get involved in civic, service-oriented activities, such as volunteering for a social cause and such
active role by the youth helps societies and enhances democracy. Reference can be made on
Istanbul in Turkey were youth participation through volunteering is fostering youth development
and enhancing democracy. According to UNDP (2012:25), ‗‗The Young Volunteer Organization
from Istanbul was able to develop its organizational capacities with funding from external
partners, including the European Union. Its success in bring youths together and taking part in
political party and other political institutions voluntarily shows that the youth can have a positive
impact on their community, and that youth have the agency to create spaces and instruments for
their own participation. Among other accomplishments, it created a people‘s assembly to discuss
neighborhood issues and take steps to work on them and established free preparatory courses for
high school and university entrance exams for children and youth who cannot afford to pay for
private courses‖.

UNDP (2012:25) also found that, Youth-led CSOs have the potential to find new answers to
problems. The youth-founded Tribal Liaison Office in Afghanistan bridges gaps between tribal

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leaders, and formal government authorities and donors, Youth volunteers make tremendous
contributions to their communities every day. For many young people, volunteering in a youth-
led CSO or other community project is a first step in a career of civic and political engagement.
Further evidence suggested that, youth are more inclined to participate in informal political
processes. Activism, protests and campaigns are common avenues; youth are often driving forces
behind reform movements.

Youth playing an active role in democracy is vital as in countries such as Canada and Nicaragua
they are a channel that political parties use to reach out to all youths especially university
students and in this context both male and female to foster good governance, political parties
have also used youth quotas to increase participation in leadership positions and as candidates.
According to UNDP (2012:25) ,‗‗ In Nicaragua, the Partido Liberal Constitucionalista has a
combined 40 percent quota for women and youth; the Hungarian Socialist Party has a 20 percent
quota for youth. Canada‘s Liberal Party had a high youth quota for party convention delegates, 4
out of every 12 delegates had to be youth, and in addition, each campus and accredited youth
club had 4 delegates. As a result, youth (under 26) made up over 40 percent of voting delegates
at any party convention, making them a strong force within the party when it came to leadership
selection, policy development and executive positions‖.

UNDP (2012:25) further stated that, Youth wings that have been established in countries such as
Canada and Hungary generally serve several functions, all of which enhance democracy , one of
the functions of youth wings is to enable youth participation overall, the second is to train
members. They organize skill-building workshops, mentoring programmes and policy
development activities. A third function of youth wings can be to influence party policy
development and leadership selection. Young members and youth wings can provide fresh and
innovative inputs and challenge outdated policies. Finally, youth wings can extend outreach to
young voters and make parties more credible to them. For election and recruiting campaigns,
youth wings will likely know what language is most effective with their peers and what kinds of
activities are attractive to youth. The efforts of older party leaders to appeal to youth often fall
short.

Many years after African countries gained independence, political participation especially by the
youth remains a vital aspect of democracy and political culture. African scholars such as
Ntsabane also state that youth political wings contribute greatly to democracy in many African
countries. Political youth wings Ntsabane argued, can help to decrease political violence such as

23
in conflict affected and post conflict countries and reference is made to Ghana. According to
Ntsabane (2013:10), ―Youth wings in Ghana of the four political parties issued a joint statement
in 2006 calling on the President and ex-President to resolve their differences and rebuild a
constructive relationship‖. Ntsabane (2013:10) further writes that youth participation in elections
can help empower the youth to build the community and is a remedy to a range of social
problems as most democratic governments in Africa, routinely and publicly declare their
commitment to consultation and grant young people opportunities to have real say and choices
about policies and services that directly affect them and the future of the nation.

Bessant (2012:38) claims that, youth participation enhances democracy and citizenship while
tackling social, economic, religious and political problems. The youth of every given community
in one way or the other gradually contribute to social changes, and it is through them that one
can try to understand the future of a country‘s political status. Youths are the inheritors of the
fundamental values of society and they can contribute to its development and future initiatives if
they are knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities as youth. Bessant (2012:38), further
asserted, ―Youth participation is critical for maintaining democratic values of which elections is
one thereof, the challenge is to enlist the enthusiasm of youth for commonwealth in the new
century‖. Youth participation in this context is important in maintaining and enhancing
democratic values such as freedom, peace and justice. It is believed that society should be guided
by social norms and values, and these should start with the youths since they are better
positioned in society as the generation of the future.

Youths activities should be deliberately designed with the understanding of getting them
involved in order to feel included. According to Bessant (2012:39), ―The British
commonwealth‘s youth participation in Africa mainly entails social, culture and leisure activities
which are clear indicators of a healthy transition towards independence and evidence of social
integration‖. It helps give youths a better understanding of their civic responsibility and equally
role to play in the contemporary society.

Democracy helps shape political social structures, conditions of political culture and
participation that could guide youth participation in political activities. Most constitutions in
Africa, like that of Zambia, commit itself to a multiparty system which is an important exercise
in pluralism and an essential element in democracy and which strengthens political culture and
participation in particular. Friedrich-Ebert-Shifting (2010:9) stated that, ―An electoral process
and democracy cannot be separated from the empowerment of the people, observance of human

24
rights, and the promotion of equality, mutual security and respect for human dignity‖. Therefore,
for political culture to be meaningful and successful, it should be legal and fully owned by the
citizens, especially the youths who should be the driving force of the process since it is assumed
that they understand civic responsibility and the future of the country is vested in them.

In Africa Zolberg (2013:20) stated that, many young people from various walks of life such as,
entrepreneurs, politicians, civil servants, farmers, traders and university students are now
emerging to get their demands heard. Youths who are the young generation and the majority are
intolerant to bad governance, lack of transparency, corruption and is driven by the desire for
social and political change and as a result democratic societies are enhanced and created by the
youths. Zolberg (2013:20) viewed political socialization as, one of the several requisite functions
of the political system through which youths are subject to a process of induction into the
political culture. The various activities that the youth carry out in society can enhance and
contribute to heightened levels of civic participation. This will help them give meaning to the
existence of democracy through political participation in a democratic society. In doing so,
youths get educated on their civic responsibilities from childhood.

Most recently as attested in the North Africa and Middle East revolution Youth have been at the
center point on the struggle for democracy and good governance. IPU (2014:17) stated that,
recent events have shown that youth are critical in bringing about social and political
transformation in Africa. From the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia in 2011 to the ‗Y‘en a Marre!‘
(‗Enough is enough!‘) and ‗Ma Carte d‘Electeur, Mon Arme‘ (‗My voting card, my weapon‘)
campaigns in Senegal in 2011–12 and the third-term revolution in Burkina Faso in 2014, young
people remain at the forefront of democratic struggles on the continent. When young people
engage in democracy, authoritarian regimes may fall and countries‘ political trajectories may
shift

IPU (2014:18) also stated that, the health of democracy depends on the active engagement of
youth in decision making. As communities strengthen the role of youth, they are learning that
young people can be bold civic innovators. Likewise, as youth develop social and political
understanding and decision making skills, they contribute to community organizations and future
outcomes. Youth who are active community participants are likely to extend their activities to
adulthood. IPU(2014:18) further went on to argues that, the inclusion of youths in parliaments
and other elected assemblies plays an important symbolic role in motivating other younger
citizens to become more politically involved, by demonstrating that politics is open to their

25
participation and by providing potential role models At a time when many young people are
expressing a dwindling interest in formal political activity, youth participation promotes active
citizenship and offers new opportunities for civic engagement, education, and learning about
government, thereby strengthening young people‘s social responsibility. A broader goal should
be to promote youth-led advocacy in civil society, thereby contributing to further
democratization and fostering a more positive image of youth and politics.

In Sub Saharan African countries like in South Africa, youth were crucial in the fight against the
apartheid regime and even today youths have been at the center of democratic struggle. Wagner
(2015:42) in his research found that, young people are engaging in non-electoral forms of
participation, the new generation of young South Africans participate widely in political and
socio-political affairs, providing more evidence of political interest and engagement. Their
activities range from volunteer community work, to protest action to get jobs allocated to
members of the local community. They are avid followers of political events. They obtain
information from both traditional sources and the new(s) or social media.

Young South Africans are also offered a particular mode of participation through political parties
and in this area too democracy can be and is enhanced, Wagner (2015:42) further stated that, it is
tied into electoral and institutionalized politics. As such, the motivations and objectives of
participants are distinctive. A case in point arises from one of the interviews conducted on a
young South African politician. He highlights that promoting the participation of young people
in democratic life is the main concern of this young politician in South Africa to day, in fact,
the youth organisation of his party appears to be a structure that follows its logics, priorities and
aims; Our aim is to enlarge the mobilisation of young people, to work to the benefit of our
elected leaders and our elders eventually helping to grow democracy and its principles .This
method of viewing youths who join youth wings of a party as a means of spreading democracy
and party ideology, has become crucial in enhancing the fortunes of the party and democracy as
a whole in South Africa.

Furthermore, Wagner (2015:43) wrote that, youth engagement in formulating tomorrow‘s

politics is crucial because inclusive participation is a fundamental political and democratic right.
However, actively promoting the inclusion of youth in political processes is not only about
norms, values and rights, but also about practical politics. Younger cohorts find themselves in a
different situation and their political and socioeconomic priorities differ from those of their older
counterparts, having grown up in a period of transformation related to the increased use of

26
information and communications technologies, young people bring new visions and ideas to the
political sphere. They are, therefore, key democratic stakeholders, a sentiment expressed in the
African Youth Charter Africa‘s greatest resource is its youthful population and through their
active and full participation, Africans can surmount the difficulties that lie ahead.

In Zambia, youths have been participation in the politics since the pre independence era and
since the establishment of democracy, youths have greatly contributed to its enhancement. Phiri
(2008:1) made reference to the youth who protested against the one party state system under
Kaunda and eventually the multi- party system was reintroduced back into Zambia during the
1980s, during the Chiluba rule youths also marched to state house in the 1990s demanding for a
constitution to be given to the country. Still in the 1990s youths protested against Chiluba‘s third
term proposition to enable him stay in power for another five years and this brought positive
results to Zambia‘s democracy. In all these major, national and historic events, it is right to argue
that youths have been involved in enhancing Zambia‘s democratic political system since its
established.

Restless development (2012:23) also stated that, youths were seen as critical to the outcome of
the 2011 general election, displaying the high impact potential of young people on the political
system, young people were at the forefront of ushering in of the new government led by Patriotic
Front Leader Michael Sata. The role of the youths in this election was felt in the change they
managed to bring about.

MINDS (2016:70) stated that, young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges
across communities, working together, helping to manage conflict and promote peace. Young
people are vital stakeholders in conflict and in peace-building, and can be agents of change and
provide a foundation for rebuilding lives and communities, contributing to a more just and
peaceful society. Youths are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow but they have to start exercising
leadership today. Youths should be encouraged to claim their genuine political space in the
electoral process. They should refuse to be used as mere tools of violence by politicians. Youths
should also be taught to accept and tolerate divergent views.

Furthermore Minds (2016:70) stated that, through active youth contributions, democratic values
can come to life, paving the way for the overcoming of authoritarian practices. Youth
participation in decision making enables governance institutions to make informed decisions
regarding the needs of young people. It contributes to building the overall capacity of the
institutions, strengthens political commitment and presents a positive image. Youth participation

27
in decision making turns around the culture of a people, community and organization. It can
increase youth friendliness and result in structures, policies and procedures that are demand
driven to address the needs and rights of young people. Many of the countries discussed in this
section have undergone significant political changes in recent years. These include revolutions in
Egypt, Tunisia and Burkina Faso, as well as highly competitive elections in Kenya, Tanzania,
Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia. Research has found that in many countries, youth were at the
center of political change, from orchestrating protests and demonstrations to debating on social
media, educating voters, monitoring polls and rallying behind candidates

2.4. Challenges Faced by Youths in Politics: A Global Perspective

Unemployment is a formidable challenge that confronts all African countries regardless of their
different socio-economic development. In Africa, the youth accounted for 60% of total
unemployed and three in five of Africa‘s unemployed are youth. According to a study by the
International Labour Organization (2010:58), youth unemployment rate in North Africa
amounted to 23.7% in 2009 and it is estimated to have remained at around the same level in
2010. This is twice as high as in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the youth and Youth unemployment
remains a security issue for Africa driving youth for violence and crime. In such instance, as
youth are instruments of democratization youth can be instrument of violence and vulnerable to
become involved in armed conflict as child soldiers like the case in Central Africa, Liberia,
Sudan, Uganda, Sierra Leone, DRC, and other Africa countries.

ILO (2010:58) further attested that, where young people are prominent in the adult population
and the economy is weak and poor governance, the country is more likely to experience an out-
break of rioting and internal armed conflict. One in two young people who join a rebel
movement cites unemployment as the main reason for doing so. High unemployment rate was
the powerful catalyst contributed to revolution in North Africa, which led to the overthrow of
governments in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Youth unemployment stands at 31% for Tunisia
and34% for Egypt.

Ellis (2010:90) stated that, due to economic and social decline in the most African countries,
young people are marked by a decline in support for major political parties, a failure to be
inspired by idealism, and a tendency to respond by accepting simple but extreme solution to
economic problems. Nevertheless, a similar study was conducted in some Namibian cities of

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which Perception of Human Rights and rights-related issues among Namibian Youths: Results
from focus group discussion, indicate that youth surveyed expressed little interest in political
matters, and if they engaged in political activities this was typically in a passive form such as,
watching party political broadcast or discussing politics with their parents. The low youth
participation in elections should remain a concern to all parties, especially in democratic
societies where civic responsibility is advocated continuously.

Illiteracy is another major challenge confronting the youths. UNDP (2011:34) stated that, this
implies the inability to read and write by an individual. It is a state of absolute lack of education.
Though mostly refers to lack of formal education, the concept denotes inability to read and write
or to obtain western and/or other form of education. Education, on the other hand, embodied the
entire process through which members of the society acquire necessary norms, values and skills
which conform to societal standard or which make them fit to the society. In modern African
society, education is systematic and organised and characterised by the existence of organised
structures and personnel, as well as, accorded criteria for grading of status or certificates in a
school system. Against this backdrop, the bulk of African youths are illiterate and this has
disadvantaged most youths. UNDP Human Development Report (2010:34) stated, ―The chunk of
Nigerians is grossly illiterate, the number of youths dropping out of school and graduate lacking
skills has been on the increase‖. This has been a major setback to the ability of the youths to
support and sustain genuine democratic processes. A considerable number of youths are
brainwashed and indoctrinated by the politicians to see their role in the democratic growth as
thugs or political gangsters, popularly known as, ‗Yanbanga‘ and ‗Yankuge‘. Their illiteracy
status is been exploited by desperate politicians at the detriment of the youths and the young
state. Worse still, the senseless and reckless educational policies, at all levels of governments,
have prevented most youths, access to meaningful and sound education.

Youths also Lack Formidable and Genuine Youth Organization and Leadership, IPU (2014:77)
wrote that, the youths do not have vibrant youth organisations that can pursue youth
development policies and support the bid to substantive and sustainable democracy. Where there
are so called youth organizations, they are spear headed by elders in the disguise of youth. Thus,
this can be proven by the fact that most of the heads of youth organizations are persons aged
above 40 or sometimes even 60 plus. This situation has been affecting the roles of youths in
supporting and sustaining democracy. For example the present youth leader of Nasarawa State
Peoples Democratic Party (P.D.P.) in Nigeria, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Sale to mention but a few,
are all example of youth leaders above 40 years of age. Thus, they may not necessarily give

29
youth development programmes much priority or effectively pioneer the crusade for youth
positive participation and contribution in Nasarawa State and the democratization process.

Weak infrastructure is yet another challenge .IPU (2014:77) argued that, in many countries
young people lack direct access to information, institutional systems and structures within
governments, the media and private and civil society sectors. This severely impedes their ability
to advocate for their rights. In the rare cases where young people have been able to influence or
make decisions, barriers within complicated infrastructure have tended to limit implementation.
This destroys young people‘s confidence and trust in such mechanisms. On the organizational
level, youth-led groups frequently face hindrances to economic and other resources, and have
limited organizational know-how. Among formal political organizations, such as parties and
parliaments, internal mechanisms, rules and procedures do not favour the inclusion of youth.
They are not considered for leadership positions; engagement does not lead to visible results.
These bodies may lack processes for which youth have an affinity, or use technologies and
language that are off-putting to youth.

United Nation (2012:40) affirmed that, young candidates also counter challenges such as
patronage networks and a lack of financial resources as obstacles if they were interested in
running for elected office. Well-resourced candidates and political parties in a number of
countries were described as buying support through giving away cash and gifts, such as
motorbikes. Age limits in electoral law. A number of countries had age limits in their electoral
laws, which prevented candidates under the age of 35 or 40 from contesting national elections.
Inter-generational differences, in some African countries, youth were discouraged from running
for elected office because of perceptions that leadership is a dirty game and should be reserved
for older people.

The challenge of the crisis of value and corruption also hinders youth from playing there role in
Democratic Dispensation MINDS (2015:78) argued that, the crisis of value in our society has
assumed a frightening dimension in the past 15 years. The old time tested values of hard work,
integrity, self-discipline and apprenticeship has been largely replaced by indolence, sharp
practices, unbridled passion for leisure and get rich quick syndrome. A great percentage of the
youth in most African countries are not ready to pay any price in order to achieve success. Even
student wants to ride in the best of cars and dress in the most expensive way possible. This
orientation makes the youth an easy target for politicians who have the where withal in terms of
finance to mobilize them for undemocratic purposes. Student unionism on campuses are

30
currently in limbo. However, where, they even exist, cases of corruption, embezzlement of union
money and bribery from authorities to compromise popular demand has been the order of the
day. This way, it will be difficult for the youth to play any meaningful role in our quest for
democratization.

MINDS (2015:79) also stated that, there are dictatorial tendencies in African political space that
hinder effective youth participation. The Youth of most African nation demonstrate outstanding
courage and passion during the struggles. Many students lose their lives and many are sent to
prison. Nevertheless, dictatorial tendencies of African governments has weakened youth inherent
disposition to agitate change. University administrators too, are not spared of this dictatorial
tendencies as they have little room for toleration of opposing views and opinions. This explain
why as of today over 60% of the campuses in the majority of university in southern and west
Africa, are without vibrant Student Union Governments, through which leadership qualities
could be cultivated and nurtured for the betterment of the society in the future. To underscore
their resolve to keep the students permanently subservient, docile and subjugated, many
campuses now have police posts near the gate to make it easy for the authorities to draft in the
police at the least sign of demonstration. Where lies the future of democracy in a country where
the students who are the future leaders are not allowed to freely express themselves.

There is lack of national spread among the youths in many countries especially in Africa today.
MINDS (2016:82) stated that, unlike the pre-independence era when organizations like the
African youth Movement (AYM), had membership across the country, many youths and youth
organizations today are restricted to their geo-political areas and as a result there is no unity
among the youths. Worse still, the youth in the rural areas who, due to lack of exposure and
organizational skills cannot organize themselves, are left unintegrated into the urban based youth
organizations. Even the National Association of Nigerian Students was polarized at a time due to
the activities of the filth columnists.

Youths are also prone to encounter health related problems. Youth map (2014:34) wrote that,
youths are susceptible to disease. Young people ages 15-24 have the highest infection rates from
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The youths face a myriad of health related
problems, including widespread malaria, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs), drug and substance abuse as well as poor access to health services. The
HIV/AIDS pandemic is more prevalent among the youths under 30 years of age. Available
statistics show that the youths make up 33% of Kenyans infected with Aids and teenage

31
pregnancy are unique to the female youths. Some of the consequences of these are dropping out
of school and risks to life through unsafe abortions

2.5. Worldwide Strategies to Enhance Youth Participation in Democratic Politics

Being cognisant of the above challenges, efforts should be made at international, regional, and
country level to address the plights of youth in Africa. AU (2012:44) stated that, at global level,
the United Nations programme of Action for Youth seeks to assist governments in 15 priority
areas, which has clear relevance for youth agenda in Africa. At continental level, the African
Union could adopt and enter into force the African Youth Charter. The charter provides a
framework for developing and implementing more tangible youth policies and programmes for
young people in a number of areas that include employment, sustainable livelihoods, education,
health, youth participation, peace and security and law enforcement among others. It also calls
on government to guarantee participation by young people in parliament and other national
decision making bodies at national and regional level. Other key developments with regard to
youth in the continent include the approval of a plan of action for accelerating the ratification and
implementation of the African Youth Charter, the declaration of the period 2009-2018 as a
decade of youth development, and the approval of a plan of action to implement the priority
activities identified during the youth decade as well as the establishment of youth networks
including the Pan African Youth Union to serve as a channel for youth engagement and platform
for conveying youth perspectives .

Youth Map (2014:87) asserted that, African government should adopt and promote youth
employment schemes including education systems and curricula reforms, to ensure that youth are
endowed with basic business skills and resources to minimize their economic marginalization
and to building peaceful and democratic societies. African governments should also increase
youth participation in governance at all levels including considering affirmative action for young
people in governance structures like the parliament and the executive.

MINDS (2016:72) also added that, African governments must ensure the unleashing of youth
development potentials through creating greater economic opportunities, incentives, and
rewarding youth innovation and creativity in the economic sector. The involvement of the private
sector in youth employment strategies is critical in this regard as the private sector has the
resources, expertise, and capacity to generate wealth and the capacity needed to create
employment opportunities. Governments should seek cooperation with the private sector to
provide high quality technical education at both secondary and tertiary levels. Although the key

32
motive is profit making, private sector can also intervene in a number of areas to contribute
towards promoting youth employment. The private sector can facilitate school-to-work
transition, supporting programmes of technical and vocational and on-the-job trainings.

Youth Map (2014:87) stated that, inter-generational leadership change is highly desirable and
necessary in Africa. There should be inter-generational leadership dialogue with a view to
ensuring that young people take over the leadership of each African country. Youth leadership
need to create a new culture of national and regional solidarity in which the drive towards
African citizenship devoid of the divisiveness of ethnicity, religion, race, color, and sectarian
identities are emphasized.

IPU (2014:79) wrote that, African governments also need to ensure the expansion of the social
and economic infrastructure necessary for coping with the rise in youth population in most
African countries this should include quality, affordable and skills based education, health care
services, recreation facilities and promoting labor market information. Labor market information
is a key factor for better youth employment programs. The coverage of labor force surveys and
evaluations of labor market programs in Africa is very low compared to other regions. As a
result, policymakers and program designers have little evidence to go on and many programs
show few results.

IPU (2014:78) further argued that, governments and development partners should focus on
filling information gap labor markets. Once information gaps are identified and filled, all
stakeholders, the government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector should
come together at national and regional levels for consultations that critically address the issue of
youth unemployment through formulation of youth employment strategies.

MINDS (2015:80) asserted that, Genuine/Realistic youth Organisations, the youths should form
realistic youth organisations under their control and leadership. The leadership should be ready
to pursue the interest of the youths at all times as well as assist in building solid and responsible
democratic conduct and practices in the state. Similarly, the youths should strengthen and expand
the historic links which have existed with other democratically inclined groups and other Human
Right Organisations for positive interventions in national politics and policies for effective
advocacy and defense of popular causes and aspiration. They should assign priority to re-
building all the political bridges that have been weakened or destroyed by the reckless politics.
MINDS (2015:80) went on to write that, Nationalism and Patriotism are need for the youths and
their organisations to shun parochialism, divisions, and forge nationalist and pan-African

33
alliances. They must strive hard to transcend the ethno-regional divides of the ruling class so as
to be firm and united in fighting the course of democratic development.

Discipline and Transparency also needs to be applied if youths are to play an effective role
Democratic Dispensation. MINDS (2015:80) wrote that, the youths must struggle to get the
country rid of indiscipline and corruption. While they must fight all sorts of indiscipline and
corruption within them squarely, they should assist in the anti-corruption crusade in the state and
the nation as well. No stone should be left untouched in the desire to clean the state from
indiscipline, corruption, misappropriation and greed. African youths must learn to be transparent
and accountable in all their official and non-official transactions in order to facilitate the
redistribution of resources in the state; thus, helping the country to nurture and sustain
democracy and good governance.

Youth Map (2014:88) also suggested that, channels of experiential leadership training and
learning opportunities within public sector offices and civil society organizations should be
created (e.g. mentorships, model UN-like system, internships within companies and
organizations with leaders) .Promote the benefits of volunteerism to young people by installing
compulsory volunteer programs within schools and colleges. Programs should be youth led to
identify service opportunities, rally resources, and execution, while receiving guidance from
staff.

Furthermore Youth Map (2014:88) noted that efforts should also be made to increase the
number of and access to tertiary institutions and skills training centers for young people as well
as forming youth groups to advocate for the rights of young people at the national level. Provide
more recreation facilities for young people, such as sport facilities and youth centers, so that
young people have positive outlets and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as
underage sex and drinking.

Integrating mobile phone applications (e.g., SMS and social media) as a cost-effective way to
facilitate political and civic participation. MINDS (2016:69) noted that, Mobile technologies
could be used to disseminate information on opportunities and key political issues, allowing for
rapid real-time deployment of information that can help foster immediate interest and consistent
demand from young people to be aware of issues and policies that affect their lives.

MINDS (2016:69) also noted that, when training CSOs, ensure the inclusion of youth
associations as well as youth-serving, youth-led, and youth-advocacy groups that might be

34
organizationally less mature and too often Over looked. To the extent possible, equips CSO to
positively harness the energy of youth in their advocacy efforts, including youth participation in
the design of campaigns and messages. The solution to include youth in political processes
cannot lie in the capacities of individual youth alone. The socio-political environment,
organizations and youth all have to change in order to move closer together.

MINDS (2016:71) further went on to state that, since youth are generally under-represented both
in the government and in political parties. Strategies for increasing youth participation in future
included increasing civic and voter education, broadening youth consultation and more youth
representation at political party and government level. Challenging perceptions about the
inability of youth and women to occupy leadership positions. Supporting effective, independent
electoral commissions. Changing age limits for candidates running for electing office. Creating
platforms for sustained youth engagement. Building networks between youth movements across
the country.

2.6. Review of Related Studies on Youth Participation in politics

2.6.1. Youth Participation in Politics: Global Perspective

A number of scholars have carried out studies on youth and democracy in various countries. In
Australia Bessant (2010), conducted a research with the title Mixed Messages: Youth
Participation and Democratic Life. She argues that youth participation has once more become a
popular part of contemporary political talk. She further states that the problem is there is much
enthusiasm, talk and emphasis about youth participation in democratic life and yet the core
issues still hang. The three main issues being that, despite the enthusiasm for youth participation
the environment is not conducive for participation, effective policy is not in place and where
participation hinges on democratic practices and these being the three main issues being
addressed in the study . Bessant (2010:3) points out that the recent government enthusiasm for
youth participation is problematic for three reasons. First, it fails to recognise the significant
obstacles that young people currently experience when trying to participate socially,
economically and politically. Second, there is a failure to think through what democratic practice
requires. Third, both the conceptualisation and operationalisation of official youth participation
policies reveal an agenda that is seriously at odds with the rhetoric of democratic participation.
This raises questions about whose voice is actually being heard and to what effect.

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A study conducted by Bessant (2010) revealed that, the policies and practices that constitute the
policy theme of ‗youth participation‘ fails to either acknowledge or address the daunting array of
discriminatory practices that thwart or preempt the capacity of young people to act as citizens,
some of them being unemployment, poverty, no youth wage and also police power used against
young people. Bessant‘s (2010) study further reveals that, ―An analysis of the official youth
participation agenda reveals there is considerable talk about democratic practice, but a failure to
acknowledge the existing barriers to young people. It also reveals a will to extend governance of
young people under the guise of participation, as well as a failure to establish participatory
mechanisms that give material effect to young peoples‘ voices. Democratic practice requires a
commitment to practices and conventions that constitute representative democracy including
universal suffrage and rights such as freedom of speech‖. Furthermore Bessant‘s (2010) study
revealed that, ―Despite the official talk about participation and use of metaphors like Roundtable,
no statutory commitment or legislative requirements are forthcoming as measures that ensure
practical effect is given to the voice of youth participants‖.

The London school of Economics (2013) also conducted a study in England on ‗Youth
Participation in Democratic Life‘ in different European countries. The London school of
Economics identified that there was a drop in youth participation from electoral participation to
party membership in the last four decades. London school of Economics (2013) stated that,
political participation – from electoral turnout to party membership – has significantly declined
over the past 40 years both in Europe and beyond, particular care needs to be taken that young
Europeans get the best possible opportunity to engage with their political systems. It provides
unprecedented empirical evidence on the exact strengths and weaknesses of the participation of
young people in Europe across their social and national diversity and systematically assesses
their causes. Perhaps even more importantly, however, in a context of changing political
structures and technological opportunities, it studies ways to enhance the participation of young
Europeans, not only quantitatively (that is, by making young Europeans ‗participate more‘) but
also qualitatively (enabling young people to ‗make the most‘ of democratic participation and be
better represented and more influential in national and international democratic systems), hence
the need to assess the nature and extent of youth participation and provide suggestions as to how
it can be enhanced.

London school of Economics‘s (2013) study revealed that, young citizens are not bored with
electoral politics but are instead frustrated by the mismatch between the hopes they have about
playing their part in elections and the way they are being addressed and in their view little

36
considered by politicians. The London school of Economics‘s (2013) study further revealed that
the role of voting at the heart of political participation is as crucial to the hearts and minds of
young people today as it was for generations who lived decades ago. Not only do young citizens
use voting as a key channel of participation in practice, but they also value it, desire it and enjoy
it more than any other participatory mode, and they stress that if the participation of young
people is to be improved, then voting will need to be at the heart of it. The electoral participation
of young people is thus both at the heart of the problem and at the heart of the solution of today‘s
political participation crisis.

2.6.2. Youth Participation in Politics: African Perspective

Resnick and Casale (2011) carried out a study in various African countries on ‗Polilitical
Participation of Africa‘s youth: Turnout, Partisanship and Protest‘. Resnick and Casale (2011)
stated that, the youth have long represented an important constituency for electoral mobilization
in Africa. Today, as the region faces a growing ―youth bulge‖ that is disproportionately burdened
by un- and underemployment, capturing the votes of this demographic is becoming more
important than ever before. Yet, despite their numerical importance and the historical relevance
of generational identities within the region, very little is really known about the political
participation of Africa‘s youth in relation to the older citizens.

Resnick and Casale‘s (2011) study revealed that, Africa‘s youth, particularly those residing in
urban areas, operate in broadly similar ways to their counterparts in other regions of the world. In
comparison with their older compatriots, the youth vote less and are more likely to demonstrate
no partisanship or an attachment to opposition parties rather than any affinity to incumbent
parties. Yet, the likelihood of their involvement in protests is not significantly different from that
of their older counterparts. This suggests that while they are less engaged in elections and party
politics, they are not necessarily channeling their discontent into extra-institutional modes of
participation in large proportions. Resnick and Casale‘s (2011) study further revealed that, the
youth, unlike older voters, tend to vote less the longer an incumbent party has been in office. In
addition, poor incumbent performance on job creation, compared with other socio-economic
issues, increases the likelihood of the youth to express either no partisanship or an affinity to the
opposition. In terms of protest activity, higher levels of education and economic deprivation, as
well as a lack of satisfaction with democracy, increase the likelihood that the youth will protest
while demonstrating a null impact on their older cohorts‘ protest activities.

37
Evaristus 2015 carried out a study in Windhoek on Democracy Building and Civic
Responsibility: An Analysis Of Tertiary Students` Participation in the 2009 National Elections
Focusing on Windhoek. Evaristus (2015) stated that, the major problem was student participation
in elections continued to drop when students are considered the future of the country, whilst the
electoral commission conducted election campaigns to encourage them to register in order to
vote.

Evaristus‘s (2015) study revealed that, the reasons why the youth participate in elections, is
mainly because they are part of the decision making group and while the contrary as to why they
do not participate is cited as lack of understanding, influence, incentives and motivation, they
don‘t see the party that they belong to taking them serious and their issues are not being given
adequate priority. While some feel that they are excluded from the political frontline. There is
lack of interest in elections by students and this has been mainly caused by empty promises made
by the politicians, such that the youth have felt isolated. The way the youth see things is different
from the way political parties run things. The political parties programmes do not carter for the
youth interests as a result this pushes them away. Evaristus‘s (2015) study further revealed that,
students are ignorant of their democratic rights and civic responsibilities. Most of the students
are not even aware of the way the current democracy system is working. The fact that they do
not know simply means that they are not satisfied.

2.6.3. Identified Gap

In this current study focus is also on the youth but with particular attention on the role the youth
should play in a Democratic Dispensation. The main problem being that the youth are engaged to
participate more especially during times of elections and conflicts in political parties and yet they
are left out when it comes to the actual participation in important national issues. Looking at
related reviewed studies and the current study a knowledge gap was identified that needed to be
filed. The knowledge gap identified was lack generalisation of findings because of different
context, focus and findings. The previous studies focused on low youth voting and turn out in
elections, Evaristus (2015), Resnick and Casale (2011) and the London School of Economics
(2013), while Bessant (2010), focused on conduciveness of the environment for youth
participation in democracy Dispensation and also that these studies were conducted outside
Zambia and outside Africa, while this study focused on the role of the youth in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation, hence the study intended to fill the knowledge gap which showed that
little had been done on the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

38
2.7. Summary

This chapter revealed related literature on youth participation in politics, specifically their role in
the Democratic Dispensation .The chapter revealed literature on Democracy and participation of
youths. This was done from a global perspective and an African perspective. The chapter also
outlined the challenges that youth encounter in participating in Democratic Dispensation,
strategies to enhance effective youth participated were also outlined in this chapter. The chapter
also identified the research gap to be filled by this study and closed with a summary. The next
chapter will focus on the methodology used in this study.

39
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0. Overview

This chapter describes the methods which were used in collecting data and how the data was
analysed. It also describes the research design which were employed, the target population,
sample size and sampling method. This chapter also outlines data collection procedure, the data
collection techniques, the data analysis as well as the instruments that were used. The chapter
then closes with a summary.

3.1. Research Design

From the onset, it is important to begin by providing an exposition of what ‗research‘ is.
According to Tuchman (1978:1), research is ―An examination, investigation or an exploration of
any given phenomena‖. Kothari (2008:2) added that, research can also be understood as ―A
systematic attempt to provide answers to questions‖. From the above, it is clear that there can be
no research without a problem or question. In line with the aforementioned, it can be stated that
central to any research activity are the aspects of examination, investigation and exploration of a
given phenomenon in order to address the problems and challenges associated with it. This is
because the solutions of problems associated with the phenomena being investigated must be
arrived at or discovered through research. It is because of this aspect that Kothari (2008:2)
argued that, ―Research is a process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through
planned systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data‖. To ensure the validity of
research results, the researcher needs to see to it that every component of the research project, at
any level is clearly spelt out as well as pursued.

A Research design can be explained as the planning of any scientific research from the first to
the last step. According to Kombo and Tromp (2013), a research design is the structure of the
research. It is referred to as the ‗glue‘ that holds the entre research process together. Orodino
(2009) on the other hand explained that a research design is the scheme; outline or rather the plan
of the research that enhances the generation of answers to the research questions or problems.
Research design refers to the structure of an enquiry, it is a logical matter rather than a logistical
one (Yin, 1989). The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables
us to answer the initial question as unambiguously as possible.

40
Another important aspect that needs to be discussed is the research methodology being used in
this study. This study will employ the qualitative method of research, this is because qualitative
research tends to follow the exploratory mode of the scientific method. Bolarinwa (2006)
observed that, qualitative research verbally describes or tells what is done or what has been done.
It tells the story around events, occurrences and practices. Qualitative methods are more
interpretive, historic, and ethnographic than are quantitative approaches. There are many
methods of qualitative research design, in this research, a case study design was used because the
variables contained in this study had to be discussed in detail and described precisely. A case
study is defined as ―A holistic research method that uses multiple sources of evidence to analyse
or evaluate specific phenomenon or instance‖ (Anderson, 1998:152). The case study was chosen
just as Kombo and Tromp (2013) argued that, a case study seeks to describe a unit in detail, in
context and holistically. In a case design a great ideal can be learned from few examples. It gives
an opportunity for one problem to be studied in some depth within a limited time frame. Case
studies focus on processes rather than outcomes. Finally, they contribute to large scale research
projects and serve as a preliminary to qualitative research.

3.2. Target Population

In the context of research James and Akuta, (2010:88), ―Target population‖ has was defined as
all members of any well-defined class of people, events, or objects who have been designated as
being the focus of an investigation. It is also known as universe or a special universe. It is called
special universe in order to distinguish it from the general universe or population to which the
study‘s findings can be generalised. In this study the target population included the youths (i.e.
political party youth leaders, youth organisation leaders and other youths) from the following
sites Kabwata constituency, Munali constituency and Lusaka Central constituency of Lusaka
District of Lusaka Province of Zambia. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews
with 3 political party youth leaders,1 from each political party in Lusaka Central constituency
and 3 youth organisation leaders,1 from each youth organisation and 2 focus group discussions
with the youth each comprising 15 respondents (8 male and 7 female) were conducted
separately, from Munali constuency and the other in Kabwata constuency.

3.2.1 Break down of target population

Semi-Structured interviews

a) 3 Political Party Youth Leaders, 1 from each of the 3 target Political Parties in Lusaka

41
 Constituency

3 Community Youth Leaders, 1 from each of the 3 target Youth Organisation in Lusaka

b) Focus-group interview/discussions

2 focused group interviews/discussions each consisting 15 repondents and comprising 8 males

and 7 females were conducted separately in Munali and Kabwata constituencies

3.3. Sample Size and Sampling Techniques

The word sample refers to a set of elements which are ideally representative of the entire
population whereas sampling is the process of selecting a subset or sample from the entire
population so that generalization of the results can be made to the population from which the
elements were chosen. Thus a sample is a finite part of statistical population whose properties are
studied to gain information about the whole (Webster, 1985). According to Strydom, Fouche and
Delport (2005), sampling simply means taking any portion of a population or universe as
representative of that population. The major reason for sampling is feasibility. A complete
coverage of the total population is seldom possible and all the members of a population of
interest cannot possibly be reached and as a result in this study purposive sampling as a
technique was used, this was determined by the researcher‘s specific needs. The power and logic
of purposive sampling was that a few cases studied in depth yield many insights into the topic. In
this study, our sample size comprised of thirty-six (36) respondents who were picked from the
following sites Kabwata constituency, Munali constituency and Lusaka central constituency of
Lusaka District of Lusaka Province of Zambia. fifteen (15) respondents were picked from
Munali, six (6) respondents came from Lusaka Central and fifteen (15) other respondents from
Kabwata. These were information key informants and were knowledgeable and informative on
the topic of this study.

3.4. Data Collection Methods and Instruments

In research, research methods are the techniques or practices employed to collect the data or
information in accordance with the main purpose of the study (Msabila and Nalaila, 2013:26).
There are two types of data collection methods. These are primary and secondary data collection
methods. ―Interviewing and focus group discussion fall under primary data collection methods‖
(Msabila and Nalaila, 2013:41).

42
According to Chilisa and Preece (2005), interview refers to a conversation or interaction between
the researcher and a responded. Bolarinwa (2006:45) also stated that, an interview is a
conversation with a purpose. Interviews can simply be defined as face to face talks with
respondents (Musingafi,2012). Interviews can be highly structured, semi structured or
unstructured. Semi-structured interviews were used in this study involving a series of open ended
questions based on the topic areas the researcher wants to cover. In a semi-structured interview
the interviewer has the freedom to probe the interviewee to elaborate on the original response
(Haralambos and Holborn, 1991:734).

The focus group is another interview style data collection method. Focus group are guided or
unguided interviews and discussions designed to address particular issues or topics of
significance and relevance to the group and researcher. The researcher puts participants in groups
and encourages the the groups to follow some specific questions of discourse (Berg, 2001:34).
According to Bangura (2007:55), overall advantage of employing the focus group is its ability to
enable the researcher to capture real life data in a social environment.

In this study, in order to collect qualitative information, data was collected from the field through
interviews using semi-structured questions with respondents and key informants respectively, the
interviews included three political party youth leaders and three youth organisation leaders. The
researcher also conducted two (2) focus group discussions on site. These instruments and
methods were chosen because they provided detailed or insightful information suitable for this
kind of study.

3.5 Data analysis

According to Strydom, Fouche and Delport (2005), data analysis means the categorization,
ordering, manipulating and summarizing data to obtain answers to research questions. In this
study, the collected data was analysed qualitatively. The analysis was also based on research
questions. Thus the content analysis of the responses was done under various themes. Themes
salient across all cases were kept as well as those that were extremely different. For this
qualitative study, the researcher merged findings and similar themes were grouped together.
According to Stake (2006), the researcher whose priority was to merge the findings across cases
would use this particular method. This method also allows the researcher to make generalizations
about the cases.

43
3.6 Ethical Considerations

According to Chilisa and Preece (2005) ethics in research is basically a set of standards that,
guide researchers on how best they should interact with research and how research problems can
to be tackled. Kombo and Tromp (2011) elucidated that, the entire research process should
maintain high levels of integrity particularly in data collection process and statistical skills to
problems where private interests of respondents may inappropriately affect the development or
application of statistical knowledge.

Therefore ethical concerns were taken into consideration from the start of the investigation to the
final report. The researcher accepted individual responsibility for the conduct of the research and
ensured that informed consent from respondents in the study was obtained in order to make sure
that all respondents participated freely and voluntarily.

The respondents were informed that they are not forced to participate or to divulge information
they felt was confidential and for their own knowledge in view of the sensitivity of the topic.The
concerned people were also informed that the research was purely for academic purposes.

Additionally an introductory letter from the university and subsequent local authority was
obtained before engaging any respondent in the research process. Thus an ethical consent was
sought through a form of an informed consent form and assuring confidentiality privacy and
anonymity of any information shared during the interview, before embarking on data collection
from respondents and respondents were asked to append their signature on a consent form as
sign of agreement.

The researcher was also obliged to stop the interview in the case that it injured the respondent in
any way and respondents were free to withdrew from the research process should they feel
uncomfortable.

3.7. Summary

The Chapter focused on the research design that has been used to carry out the research. The
population, sample size, data collection methods and instruments, data analysis and ethical
considerations were also looked at in this chapter. The next chapter focuses on the presentation
of findings of the study.

44
 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS

4.0. Overview

This study focuses on establishing the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.
The study sought to identify the role the youth play in Zambia‘s Democracy and finally
recommend areas which need to enhanced and perfected for effective youth participation. This
chapter focuses on presenting the data collected for the purpose of the study. The results
presented in this study were obtained through interviews from Political party youth leaders and
youth organization leaders as well as from focus group discussions with the youths. A number
of themes emerged from the data collected and will be used to present the findings of the study.
The study was conducted in three constituencies of Lusaka province. The study comprised of 3
political party youth leaders, 3 youth organization leaders as well as 16 male and 14 female
youths. The chapter will close with a summary.

Demographics of the respondents are given in the tables below.

4.1. Demographics of the Respondents

Table 4.1. Showing the frequency distribution of Youth leaders in selected townships of
Lusaka district.

Gender
Group: Youth Leaders Male Female Total
Political Party Youth Leaders 3 0 3

Community Youth Leaders 3 0 3

Total 6 0 6

The gender distribution of youth leaders was as displayed in Table 4.1. All respondents setting
as youth leaders were male. 3 political party youth leaders and 3 Youth Community Organisation

45
Table 4.1.1. Showing the frequency distribution of Youths in selected townships of Lusaka
district.

Gender
Group: Youths Male Female Total
Students 8 7 15

Community Organisation Youths 8 7 15

Total 16 14 30

Gender of all respondents was taken note of by the researcher before they were engaged in the
focus group discussion. The gender distribution of youths was as displayed in Table 4.2. Out of
the sample of 15 students, 8 were male and 7 were female. Out of 15 Community Organisation
Youths, 8 were male and 7 were female.

4.1. Presentation of Research Findings (Semi-Structured Interviews)

The results presented in this section were obtained through interviews from six (6) participants.
As stated above a number of themes emerged from the data collected and these have been used
to present the findings of the study. It is also important to state that the research instruments used
in this study, used similar questions in both interviews and focus group discussion to obtain
relevant data and as a result the data obtained from both respondents from interviews and focus
group discussion were similar. This enabled the researcher to identify themes that related to the
research objectives through answers that were obtained from the respondents. The identified
themes were;

1. The participation of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

2. How youth can participate in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation

3. The role of the youth in enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

4. Challenges blocking the youth from participating in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

5.Measures/ Strategies to enhance effective youth Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation

46
The findings are presented in a narrative form.

4.1.1. The Participation of the Youth in Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

The first research question of this study aimed at finding out how the youth currently participate
in political activities, decision making as well as civic activities in Zambia‘s democratic
dispensation. The understanding behind the formulation of this question was that the youth in
any given society should actively participate in all these key areas of a democratic society and as
such it becomes important to inquire on how they are faring in all those key areas currently. The
respondents held the view that the youths do not have a good image as at the moment, they have
been identified with alcoholism and that they are irresponsible and as such they cannot be
trusted. Respondents also stated that youths are marginalized when it comes to full participation
both at national and party level. Respondents also stated that the environment is not conducive
for youth participation. Most youth want to take part in the running of the country and make a
progressive change, but they lack representation. Below are some of the responses as stated by
some respondents to support the above findings;

Response from youth leaders

A youth leader stated that: it is very difficult for the young people of Zambia to constructively
and productively participate in the political dispensation because they do not have an image, the
status quo of the youth right now is that they do not have an identity.

Another youth leader stated that: The young people have been identified with negativity, when
you talk of alcoholism, hooliganism and all other bad things have been damped on them. The
youth cannot constructively and productively participate in politics with such a name. The youth
are also marginalised, they don’t have much space in the political dispensation.

4.1.2. How youths can/should participate in Zambia’s democratic dispensation

The researcher asked a follow up question, which aimed at establishing how the youth should
participate in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation following the answers from the respondents
about how youths are currently participating. The researcher asked the question, to all
participants; Political party youth leaders and youth organization leaders. The respondents stated
that youths should stand as councilors in the communities and impact positive change through
sensitization to community members on policy and other global issues. It was also felt that
youths should occupy important positions in political parties as this would enable them to

47
become accustomed to political process and build on effective leadership as a team. It was also
stated that youths should be members of parliament and also occupy ministerial positions where
they can contribute effectively to democracy and national development through policy
formulation and reforms. Below are some responses as stated by respondents supporting the
above findings;

Responses from youth leaders

One youth leaders stated that: They should get involved in political party activities such as
campaigns, formulating party policies.

Another youth stated that: standing as leaders during elections, because they have the fresh
ideas and knowledge to transform Zambia.

The other also stated that: To speak out on matters of the nation without fear or favor, their
voices in this country should be heard.

4.1.3. The Role of The Youth in Enhancing Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

On the second research question, the researcher sought to establish how youth participation
enhances Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The formulation of this question was based on the
belief that youth participation can/does enhance Democratic Dispensation in any country.
Respondents where were asked to state if they believe youth participation enhances democracy
and how such participation can enhance democracy. Respondents stated that youth participation
does actually enhance democracy because of the various activities that the youth take part in, but
the main concern is that youths are not given opportunities and a platform to participate. It was
stated that the youth are at the forefront of enhancing democracy by speaking out and making
their voice heard in issues concerning the nation and political parties. Respondents also state that
youths enhance democracy through campaigning and voting. Reference was also made at the role
youths played in the 2011 elections as an example of how democracy is enhance by the youths.
Below are responses supporting the above findings;

48
Responses from youth leaders

One of the youth leaders stated that: Youth participation does enhance democracy, but few young
people have been given that opportunity and responsibility in very important positions from the
party level to the national level and that is why our democracy is in stagnation because the youth
have been marginalized and left out.

Another youth leader stated that: When the youths are on the streets campaigning for a political
party or individual that enhances democracy.

The other youth leader also stated that: Youths make statements on radio, newspapers and T.V,
that has brought changes and reforms in political parties and the country, showing that their
participation enhances democracy.

4.1.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia’s Democratic

Dispensation

Research question three aimed to establish the challenges faced/encountered by the youth in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The reason behind the question was that the effective
participation of the youth is faced with a number of challenges in them contributing to and
enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and as a result that requires redress. The responses
from respondents are many and varied; findings indicate that the current/ older politicians in
power pose a great challenge. Respondents stated that political leaders had advantage of the
youth using as tools of violence because of greed, further stating that youths are used to destroy
any thing that comes in the way of the political leaders. It was also stated that older politicians
keep on saying that youths have no experience any there is a lot of recycled change in the current
political system and as such hindering the youth Below are responses supporting the above
findings;

A youth leader stated that: political leaders have taken advantage of the vulnerability of the
young people and have propelled them to get involved in negative vices out of greed, greed
brings out all the negative one can talk about.

Another youth leader stated that: Youths are used to destroy any thing that stands in the way for
those politicians who want to be in power all the time , it’s evident with political violence, it is
the youths who are involved and the planning is done by the old folks and they give the plans to

49
the youth to execute. There is an also emphasis from the older politicians that youths have no
experience and yet they won’t let the youth participate.

The other youth leader stated that: Recycled change is what has blocked new change. Some
politicians want to hold on to power, they don’t know the principle of not changing everything
but only contributing to change, you can’t change everything in this world you can only
contribute to change and the least we contribute makes a difference.

4.1.5. Measures/ Strategies to enhance effective youth Participation in Zambia’s

Democratic Dispensation

Research question four sought to establish the strategies /measures that should be implemented
to enhance effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The
understanding behind the question is that there are strategies that could be suggested that would
create an enabling environment for effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation. Respondents indicated that there is need for policy formulation and also create
awareness to the youths on their rights, roles and responsibilities and that funds for the youth to
venture into entrepreneurship should be made available. Below are some of the responses
supporting the above findings;

A youth leader stated that: There must be a deliberate move/policy that when the president is
going to the AU, he should at least go with 5 or 10 youths for exposure.

Another youth leader also stated that: Youths should be encouraged to be selfless and not want
to be paid every time, they should learn to volunteer freely and sacrifice as a way of learning
and exposure and eventually contributing to democracy and national development, so that when
they become leaders it will be easy for them to perform.

Another youth leader stated that: Government needs make funds available to all youth to enable
to start businesses. Employment opportunities should also be created in both private and public
sector.

4.2. Presentation of Research Findings (Focus Group Discussion)

The results presented in this section were obtained through focus group discussion from thirty
(30) participants. A number of themes emerged from the data collected and these have been used
to present the findings of the study. It is also important to state that the research instruments used
in this study, used similar questions in both interviews and focus group discussion to obtain

50
relevant data and as a result the data obtained from both respondents from interviews and focus
group discussion were similar. This enabled the researcher to identify themes that related to the
research objectives through answers that were obtained from the respondents. The identified
themes were:

1. The participation of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

2. How youth can participate in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation

3. The role of the youth in enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

4. Challenges blocking the youth from participating in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation

5. Measures/Strategies to enhance effective youth Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation

The findings are presented in a narrative form.

4.2.1. The Participation of the Youth in Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

The first research question of this study aimed at finding out how the youth currently participate
in political activities, decision making as well as civic activities in Zambia‘s democratic
dispensation. The understanding behind the formulation of this question was that the youth in
any given society should actively participate in all these key areas of a democratic society and as
such it becomes important to inquire on how they are faring in all those key areas currently.
They stated that the youth are not appointed to leadership positions that would enable them to
make decisions and also formulate policy. Respondents also stated that youth are political cadres,
who are involved in riots and politically motivated fights, other respondents stated that young
people are not living as young people should in a democratic environment, they are just suffering
and laboring. Below are some of the responses supporting the above findings;

A youth stated that: Youth participate in riots and also as political cadres.

Another youth leader stated that: so young people are just laboring and suffering, they are not
living but just existing, the youths are not participating but they are being used and most old
politicians are more confortable seeing youths not participating.

Another youth also stated that: Youths are left out in governance and decision making and are
only used towards elections.

51
4.2.2. How Youths can/should Participate in Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

The researcher asked a follow up question, which aimed at establishing how the youth should
participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation following the answers from the respondents
about how youths are currently participating. Respondents stated that youths are supposed to
criticize policies, get involved in national debates in important national matters. It was stated that
youth can be formulating policy and decision making at all levels. Respondents also stated that
youths should be taking change to their communities and also mobilizing other youths and
formulate policies in their political parties. Below are some of the responses supporting the
above findings;

A youth stated that: Youth are supposed to criticize policies, attend debates also attend council
meetings.

Another youth stated that: Youths should be engaged in policy making and decision making and
also taking and making change in their communities.

Another youth also stated that: Youths should participate by mobilizing other youths and come
up with policies through their parties.

4.2.3. The Role of the Youth in Enhancing Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

On the second research question, the researcher sought to establish how youth participate
enhances Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The formulation of this question was based on the
belief that youth participation can/does enhance Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.
Respondents were asked to state if they believe youth participation enhances democracy and how
through that participation democracy is enhanced. Respondents stated that youths promote peace
in the way they speak about issues of tribalism and violence in the country, youths have the
energy and ideas needed for the country to progress. Respondents further stated that youths can
be involved in debates and dialogue in issues of democracy and issues of national development,
youth also enhance democracy by motivating other youths and citizens to participate in
democratic activities. Below are some of the responses supporting the above findings;

A youth stated: Youths have the energy it takes for a human being to work and make progress,
young people have great ideas, they relate well with the modern and current happenings and
they always bring change and that is how they enhance democracy. Youths also promote peace
and carry the flag of love and peace.

52
Another youth stated: of late Youths have been speaking out against issues of tribalism, hate
speech and political violence.

Another youth also stated that: Youths also debate and dialogue on aspects of democracy and
national economic, social and religious issues. For example youths have spoken out on the issue
of gay rights and how the economy should be diversified and entrepreneurship to be encouraged
and promoted and as such these activities have enabled the youth to contribute to and enhance
democracy.

4.2.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia’s Democratic

Dispensation

Research question three aimed to establish the challenges faced/encountered by the youth in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The reason behind the question was that the effective
participation of the youth is faced with a number of challenges in them contributing to and
enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and as a result that requires redress. The responses
from respondents are many and varied; findings indicate that youths lack funding/resources to
venture into entrepreneurship, respondents also stated that there is lack of a good education that
offers proper and necessary skills, youth also face brutality from police, university and college
administrators. Below are some of the responses supporting the above findings;

A youth stated that: Empowerment in terms of sustenance, youths need jobs and resources so
that they can stand on their own and negotiate, the youth cannot negotiate on an empty stomach,
that always back fire on the negotiator.

Another youth stated that: Very few young people have access to good quality education, in
terms of going to university and college as well as skills training centers, the majority of youths
have less access to education that offers proper skills in this country.

Another youth also stated that: There is a lot police brutality towards those standout to protest
and demonstrate and even those who speak out against the ills in this country.

4.2.5. Measures/Strategies to Enhance Proper youth Participation in Zambia’s Democratic

Dispensation

Research question four sought to establish the strategies /measures that should be implemented
to enhance effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The
understanding behind the question is that there are strategies that could be suggested that would

53
create an enabling environment for effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation. Respondents indicated that there is need for the creation of an academy as a way
of experimental leadership to prepare the youths for future leadership roles, with different skills
from the current political environment. Respondents also stated that the education system needs
to be reformed and begin to offer necessary skills to the youth. It was also stated that retired
political leaders should not be brought back to power once retired so that young take up more
leadership positions. Below are some of the responses supporting the above findings;

A youth stated that: We need an academy to break the vicious cycle of old ways, systems and old
knowledge, because the way politics was run in 1964, is the same way its run today.

Another youth stated that: The education system needs to be reformed to offer practical solutions
for the young people Youths need to be equipped with the right skill to make them stand on their
own.

Another youth also stated: Retired leaders should not be brought back into leadership positions,
a policy on retirement age for politicians should be made to stop the trend. Youth
councils/Parliament should be active and allow for all youths from different political parties to
exchange ideas and formulate policies that will be taken serious and eventually contribute
positively to Zambia’s democratic dispensation.

4.3. Summary

This chapter focused on presenting the data collected for the purpose of the study. The results
presented in this study were obtained through interviews from Political party youth leaders,
youth organization leaders and from focus group discussions with the youths. A number of
themes emerged from the data collected and they were used to present the findings of the study.
The next chapter focuses on the discussion of findings of the study.

54
 CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

5.0. Overview

In this chapter the findings are discussed using the themes that emerged from the collected data
and the knowledge contained in the literature about youth participation in Democratic
Dispensation. The themes that emerged from the collected data include; The participation of the
youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, How youth can participate in Zambia‘s democratic,
The role of the youth in enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation Challenges blocking the
youth from participating in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and Measures/ Strategies to
enhance effective youth Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The chapter closes
with a summary.

5.1. The Participation of The Youth in Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

The findings in 4.1.1 and 4.2.1 revealed that, the youth have been participating in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation, but their participation has been in times of political struggle and also
during election. The findings also revealed that the youth are used as tools of violence and
pushing the agendas of those in power, they are not engaged in political and national decision
making process but instead they are greatly marginalised for such processes and the leadership
positions that come with them. More findings here showed that the image and identity has been
destroyed and because of that they cannot be trusted, the youth want to participate effectively but
they are lacking the platform to do so. The findings are in line with the writings of Phiri (2008:5)
who argues that, Continuing from 1991 to the present times, the youth‘s role in Zambia‘s
democratic dispensation has only been ‗seasonal‘ in times of major country events such as
struggles and elections at political party as well as national level. The youths have not been fully
incorporated and accommodated in democratic dispensation and in most instances their
involvement has been in political violence leading to the image of the youth being destroyed and
them not playing a positive role in Zambia‘s democratic dispensation. In the above argument
Phiri (2008), brings out an important point on the image of the youth being destroyed and that
this eventually leads to the youths not playing a positive and effective role in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation.

The above findings having a meeting point with the finding of Youth Map Zambia (2014:34)
that, representation of young people in decision-making positions has not been a focus of

55
governments past and present, It can be argued clearly that when it comes to opportunities to
give young people a chance to move the wheels of equity and justice, those that that are charged
with the power to facilitate this process completely ignore the young people. For example,
sections of society have argued that youth empowerment and participation for the large part is
unfulfilled and is seen as mere rhetoric. The reality appears that the engagement of young people
lies in mainly in times of struggle and social activities while the existing forms of participation
prohibits young people‘s opinions and desires from entering the public sphere, where they may
gain recognition. Minds (2016:69) further argues that, young people are not consulted and are
not given chance to take part in planning for their communities as well as the nation at large. As
indicated, in an interview at one of the Council meetings, in which the person in charge of public
relations commented that the issues that are discussed in the chambers are critical issues,
legislation, personal issues, which can only be discussed by the elderly, these are sensitive issues.
MINDS (2016:68) adds that, much of government policy has a direct or indirect impact on the
daily lives of young people nevertheless, they play only a minor role in Zambia‘s decision
making arenas. Youth participants frequently mentioned that they felt excluded from the political
process, as many political leaders are over 50 years old. Even those who are seen to ―represent‖
young people are over 40, leaving leaders out of touch with youth issues and disinterested in
authentically engaging the youth.

5.2. How Youth Can Participate In Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

According to the findings indicated in 4.1.2 and 4.2.2, respondents outlined a number of ways
and means that the youth can participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. Findings
indicated that, youths should stand as members of parliament in their constituencies and also as
councilors in their community, as this would enable them contribute to democracy and also take
change to their communities by engaging with the ordinary citizens. Findings also showed that,
youths should also speak out without fear or favour in critical national matters, including
policies. More findings revealed that, youths should also participate by engaging in policy
formulation and decision making at political party and also at national level. In line with the
stated findings scholars such as Bessant (2012:38) asserts, ‗‗Youth participation is critical for
maintaining democratic values of which elections is one thereof‖. IPU (2014:18) further goes on
to argues that, the inclusion of youths in parliaments and other elected assemblies plays an
important symbolic role in motivating other younger citizens to become more politically
involved, by demonstrating that politics is open to their participation and by providing potential
role models at a time when many young people are expressing a dwindling interest in formal

56
political activity, youth participation promotes active citizenship and offers new opportunities
for civic engagement, education, and learning about government. Wagner (2015:42) in his
research found that, young people are engaging in non-electoral forms of participation, the new
generation of young South Africans participate widely in political and socio-political affairs,
providing more evidence of political interest. Their activities range from volunteer community
work, to protest action to get jobs allocated to members of the local community. They are avid
followers of political events. They obtain information from both traditional sources and the
new(s) or social media.

Furthermore, Wagner (2015:43) writes that, youth engagement in formulating tomorrow‘s

politics is crucial because inclusive participation is a fundamental political and democratic right.
However, actively promoting the inclusion of youth in political processes is not only about
norms, values and rights, but also about practical politics. Minds (2016:70) stated that, youth
participation in decision making turns around the culture of a people, community and
organization. It can increase youth friendliness and result in structures, policies and procedures
that are demand driven to address the needs and rights of young people. Many of the countries
discussed in this section have undergone significant political changes in recent years. These
include revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia and Burkina Faso.

5.3. The Role of the Youth in Enhancing Zambia’s Democratic Dispensation

The findings in 4.1.3 and 4.2.3 revealed that youth participation does actually enhance Zambia‘s
democracy. The youths through the various formidable and positive activities that they take part
in make a lot of contribution to democracy. The youth enhance democracy by speaking against
certain issues be it at party level or national level, youths are positively engaged in political party
activities, the youth continuously ponder on maintaining democratic principles and upholding the
rule of law. Findings further revealed that, youths are energetic and bring a lot of ideals on
policies, youth are also believed to mobilise other youth and also motivating other citizens to
participate. More findings revealed that, youth bring change economically and socially as they
have the answers to the current problems and most of all they carry the flag of peace as they
refrain from taking part in tribal politics as is the case currently, but the important issue still
remains that the youth are marginalised.

57
The findings stated above are in line with the arguments stated by some scholars UNDP
(2012:25) that, youth wings can extend outreach to young voters and make parties more credible
to them. For election and recruiting campaigns, youth wings will likely know what language is
most effective with their peers and what kinds of activities are attractive to youth. The efforts of
older party leaders to appeal to youth often fall short. UNDP (2012) also added that, the youth
playing an active role in democracy is vital as in countries such as Canada and Nicaragua they
are a channel that political parties use to reach out to all youths especially university students and
in this context both male and female to foster good governance, political parties have also used
youth quotas to increase participation in leadership positions and as candidates.

UNDP (2012:25) also recorded that, the youth-founded Tribal Liaison Office in Afghanistan
bridges gaps between tribal leaders, and formal government authorities and donors. Ntsabane
(2013:10) also recorded that, In Ghana, youth wings of the four political parties issued a joint
statement in 2006 calling on the President and ex-President to resolve their differences and
rebuild a constructive relationship. MINDS (2016:70) also stated that, young people have
demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together, helping to
manage conflict and promote peace. Young people are vital stakeholders in conflict and in
peace-building, and can be agents of change and provide a foundation for rebuilding lives and
communities, contributing to a more just and peaceful society.

In line with the stated findings Bessant (2012:38) claimed that, youth participation enhances
democracy and citizenship while tackling social, economic, religious and political problems. The
youth of every given community in one way or the other gradually contribute to social changes,
and it is through them that one can try to understand the future of a country‘s political status. IPU
(2014:18) also affirmed that, the inclusion of youths in parliaments and other elected assemblies
plays an important symbolic role in motivating other younger citizens to become more politically
involved, by demonstrating that politics is open to their participation and by providing potential
role models At a time when many young people are expressing a dwindling interest in formal
political activity, youth participation promotes active citizenship and offers new opportunities
for civic engagement, education, and learning about government, thereby strengthening young
people‘s social responsibility. The outlined findings echo the views of Minds (2016:70) argued
that, through active youth contributions, democratic values can come to life, paving the way for
the overcoming of authoritarian practices. Youth participation in decision making enables
governance institutions to make informed decisions regarding the needs of young people. IPU

58
(2014:18) also stated that the health of democracy depends on the active engagement of youth in
decision making.

5.4. Challenges Blocking the Youth from Participating in Zambia’s Democratic

Dispensation.

As stated by the respondents in this research, there are a number of challenges that youths
encounter that hinder and block them from fully participating in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation. The findings revealed that, there is lack of unemployment and lack of resources to
enable youths participate effectively, the respondents stated that empowerment in terms of
sustenance is needed, youths need jobs and resources so that they can stand on their own and
negotiate, the youth cannot negotiate on an empty stomach, that always back fires on the
negotiation. The International Labour Organisation (2010:58) stated that, Unemployment is a
formidable challenge that confronts all African countries regardless of their different socio-
economic development. In Africa, the youth accounted for 60% of total unemployed and three in
five of Africa‘s unemployed are youth. United Nation (2012:40) further affirmed that, young
candidates also counter challenges such as patronage networks and a lack of financial resources
as obstacles if they were interested in running for elected office. Well-resourced candidates and
political parties in a number of countries were described as buying support through giving away
cash and gifts, such as motorbikes.

Findings also revealed that, very few youths have had access to good education, some are
illiterate while others lack proper skills training. Findings also showed that, the older generation
of current leaders has taken advantage of the youth because of their illiteracy and lack of
employment, using them as tools of violence and using them to pushing their propagandas while
marginalizing them from taking part in formidable activities and also few youths are found in
important and prominent leadership positions. In line with the stated findings, UNDP (2011:34)
affirmed that, illiteracy mostly refers to lack of formal education, the concept denotes inability to
read and write or to obtain western and/or other form of education. Against this backdrop, the
bulk of African youths are illiterate and this has disadvantaged most youths from participating in
political systems of their countries as in the case of Nigeria. IPU (2014:77) supported the
outlined sentiments by writing that among formal political organizations, such as parties and
parliaments, internal mechanisms, rules and procedures do not favour the inclusion of youth.
They are not considered for leadership positions; engagement does not lead to visible results.
UNDP Human Development Report (2010:34) also observed that, a considerable number of

59
youths are brainwashed and indoctrinated by the politicians to see their role in the democratic
growth as thugs or political gangsters, popularly known as, ‗Yanbanga‘ and ‗Yankuge‘. Their
illiteracy status is been exploited by desperate politicians at the detriment of the youths and the
young state. Worse still, the senseless and reckless educational policies, at all levels of
governments, have prevented most youths, access to meaningful and sound education.

Findings also revealed that leaders in power at times employ dictatorial tendency in dealing with
the youth, this can be seen in the police brutality used towards the youth and other citizens when
the youth speak out on important nation issues. University and college premises are usually
monitored by state police and student union bodies‘ freedom of speech is curtailed. Agreeing
with the stated findings MINDS (2015:79) stated that, dictatorial tendencies of African
governments has weakened youth inherent disposition to agitate change. University
administrators too, are not spared of these dictatorial tendencies as they have little room for
toleration of opposing views and opinions. This explains why as of today over 60% of the
campuses in the majority of university in southern and west Africa are without vibrant Student
Union Governments, through which leadership qualities could be cultivated and nurtured for the
betterment of the society in the future. To underscore their resolve to keep the students
permanently subservient, docile and subjugated, many campuses now have police posts near the
gate to make it easy for the authorities to draft in the police at the least sign of demonstration.

Findings also indicated that, youths are vulnerable to diseases and sadly very few take issues of
their health seriously and as a result, youths who would have made great contributions to
Zambia‘s democracy have died with their great knowledge, energy and ideals. Youth map
(2014:34) also wrote that, youths are susceptible to disease. Young people aged between 15 and
24 have the highest infection rates from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The
youths face a myriad of health related problems, including widespread malaria, malnutrition,
HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), drug and substance abuse as well as poor
access to health services. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is more prevalent among the youths under 30
years.

5.5. Measures/ Strategies to Enhance Effective Youth Participation in Zambia’s

Democratic Dispensation.

From the research findings indicated in 4.1.5 and 4.2.5, a number of strategies/measures have
been outlined and suggested as those that can be put in place to enhance effective youth
participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. Findings revealed that, funds should be

60
made available to all youth to enable them venter into entrepreneurial activities and employment
opportunities should also be created in both private and public sector. Findings also revealed that
the education system needs to be reformed to equip the youth necessary skills. In line with stated
findings, Youth Map (2014:87) asserted that, African government should adopt and promote
youth employment schemes including education systems and curricula reforms, to ensure that
youth are endowed with basic business skills and resources to minimize their economic
marginalization and to building peaceful and democratic societies. MINDS (2016:72) also added
that African governments must ensure the unleashing of youth development potentials through
creating greater economic opportunities, incentives, and rewarding youth innovation and
creativity in the economic sector. The involvement of the private sector in youth employment
strategies is critical in this regard as the private sector has the resources, expertise, and capacity
to generate wealth and the capacity needed to create employment opportunities. Governments
should seek cooperation with the private sector to provide high quality technical education at
both secondary and tertiary levels.

Findings indicated that an academy is needed for youths to be nurtured and prepared for future
leadership roles ,more findings revealed youth councils/Parliament should be active and allow
for all youths from different political parties to exchange ideas and formulate policies that will be
taken serious and eventually contribute positively to Zambia‘s democratic dispensation. In
support of the findings, Youth Map (2014:88) also stated that channels of experiential leadership
training and learning opportunities within public sector offices and civil society organizations
should be created (e.g. mentorships, model UN-like system, internships within companies and
organizations with leaders). Promote the benefits of volunteerism to young people by installing
compulsory volunteer programs within schools and colleges. Programs should be youth led to
identify service opportunities, rally resources, and execution, while receiving guidance from
staff, and top leaders.

More findings further indicated that, the youths need to be educated on politics, because most of
them have been brain washed to see it as a dirty game. They need to be educated to know the real
meaning of politics. Findings also revealed that the electoral system needs to be improved
through reforms to create an environment for fair political participation. Youths should to learn
their rights and be bold enough to speak out on issues affecting them. In agreement MINDS
(2016:71) writes that Strategies for increasing youth participation in future included increasing
civic and voter education, broadening youth consultation and more youth representation at
political party and government level. Challenging perceptions about the inability of youth and

61
women to occupy leadership positions.Supporting effective, independent electoral commissions.
Changing age limits for candidates running for electing office. Creating platforms for sustained
youth engagement. Building networks between youth movements across the country.

5.6. Summary

This chapter focused on the discussion of findings obtained from the research study. In this
chapter the findings of the study were discussed using the themes that emerged from the
collected data and the knowledge contained in the literature about youth participation in
Democratic. The themes that emerged from the collected data include; The participation of the
youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, How youth can participate in Zambia‘s democratic,
The role of the youth in enhancing Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation Challenges blocking the
youth from participating in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and Measures/ Strategies to
enhance effective youth Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The next chapter
focuses on the conclusions and recommendations of the study.

62
 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.0. Overview

In this chapter the conclusion has been made in relation to the objectives which were set in
Chapter one of the study. The following objectives were set, to establish whether Zambian youth
participate in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, to establish how youth participation in
Zambian politics enhances Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, to find out the challenges faced
by the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, to provide strategies to enhance effective
youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The stated objectives will be used to
conclude and recommendations will also be made in line with the stated objectives. The chapter
will close with a summary.

6.1. Conclusions of the study

The aim of the study was to establish the role of the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.
The summary of the main findings are presented below according to the research objectives:

In line with the first objective which aimed at providing information on the participation of the
youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and drawing from the findings collected from
interviews and focus group discussion, it is clear that the youth have been very active in
Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, but are also engaged in the wrong activities and that they are
marginalized from participating formidably in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. The youths
are missing in leadership position where they could contribute greatly. It can also be concluded
from the findings that the youth are engaged in times of struggle and used as tools of violence,
pushing the political agendas of those in power. This has in turn led to their image being
destroyed and distorted and that they can‘t be trusted with power and authority as they cannot be
responsible leaders. To conclude further it can be stated that the older political leaders are
comfortable with the current state of affairs concerning youth participation in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation and if the situation is not looked into the same political leaders using
the youth will find it very difficult to run the country. The conclusion from the findings is that
there are many ways and means through which youths can participate positively and formidably
in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, this could be as councilors, mayors, members of
parliament, they also be engaged community sensitization activities in important national
matters.

63
In line with the second research objective which sought to establish how youth participation
enhances Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation and drawing from the findings, it can be concluded
from the findings that when the youth participate in this Democratic Dispensation, Democracy is
eventually enhanced. It can be concluded from the findings that the youth bring a lot of great
ideas as solutions and change to the many political, economic and social problems that Zambia
encounters. Youths were singled out as having the energy to mobilize their fellow youths and
also engage in educating other citizens on their rights roles and responsibilities in the country. To
conclude further the youths were also stated as the ones speaking against the issues of tribalism
and the current state of affairs in the country concerning peace and the rule of law, all these
activities and many other activities that the youth are engage in are can be concluded and stated
as means through which Zambia‘s Democracy is enhanced by the youth.

In accordance with the third research objective which aimed at outlining the challenges that
youths encounter in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation, it can be concluded and stated that
youth encounter a number of challenges that block their effective participation in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation, the challenges range from unemployment, lack of proper skills, lack of
empowerment funds, illiteracy, the lack of a good image as youths, lack of awareness on what
their role is, lack of leadership position and representation and also the fact that political leaders
use them as tools of violence and as a result they engage in negative vices and fail to formidably
and fully participate.

In accordance with the fourth research objective which sought to suggest measures and strategies
that would be implemented to enhance effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic
Dispensation, it can be stated that there are, measures and strategies that can be adopted and
applied, these would include appointing youths to influential leadership positions, provide the
education with the proper and relevant skills, more accessible funds for the youth to engage in
entrepreneurial activities, an academy to help train and nurture the youth for future leadership
roles and creation of recreational facilities for youths to channel their energies in productive
activities. It can be further concluded that adopting and applying the suggested measures and
strategies would greatly enhance and enable effective youth participation in Zambia‘s
Democratic Dispensation.

6.2. Recommendations of the study

In line with findings of this study, the researcher outlines the following recommendations as they
can enable effective youth participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation:

64
The government, political parties and other stakeholders should ensure that more youths are
engaged to participate formidably in the current political dispensation in all government and
party activities.

Government may also formulate policy and let it be statutory through parliament that a certain
percentage of youths must be appointed to influential leadership positions, as ministers and
ambassadors.

Create an enabling environment and more credible platforms for the youth to participate in the
current political dispensation, such an effort may also keep the youth away from violence and
negative activities.

Old leaders should not be brought back to power once they retire. This recommendation follows
revelation by the study that this poses a challenge to youth participation in the current political
dispensation. Deciding not to return the old retired politicians back into active politics may
award more opportunities for the youth as leaders and credible decision makers.

Government and other stakeholders should put in measures to provide an education with relevant
and necessary skills that may enable youth to stand on their own and not rely on the government
for employment. This recommendation follows revelation by the study that most youths lack the
relevant practical skills once they complete school to enable stand on their own.

Government should also establish credible institutions that should provide funds and resources to
the youth, this is to enable them venture into entrepreneurial activities. This recommendation
follows revelation by the study that the youth lack resources and funding in the face of
unemployment and as a strategy such a measure would help the youth.

6.3. Summary

The chapters focused on the conclusions of the study, conclusions were made using each
research objective of the study. The chapter also outlined the recommendations in line with the
research objectives of the study.

65
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 Appendicies

Appendix A: Information letter

THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE OPEN UNIVERSITY

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Topic

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ZAMBIA‘S DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION.

Dear respondent

I am a student at the University of Zambia in collaboration with Zimbabwe Open University

carrying out a research on The Role of the Youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation. Your
views and experiences will be extremely useful. Your participation in this survey is strictly
voluntary. This study is being conducted as a requirement in partial fulfillment of the award of
the degree of Master of Science in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution.

I would like to assure you that this study is purely for academic purposes and that your responses
will be treated with utmost confidentiality. In an effort to maintain the confidentiality of each
respondent, your name and that of your school is not recoded.

I appreciate your cooperation

Yours

Research Student

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Appendix B

Interview schedules (Political and Community Youth Leaders)

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ZAMBIA‘S DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY YOUTH LEADERS)

Time of interview………………… Date of an interview…………………………

To establish whether the youth Participate in Zambian‘s Democratic Dispensation.

1 In your opinion how do you think the youth participation in

a) Political activities

b) Governance/decision making

c) Civil activities

2 According you, how are the youth supposed to participate in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation?

3 What positions do youths hold in political parties?

4 Are youths appointed to leadership at community levels? If yes what positions?

To determine if youth participation enhances Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

1 According to you, how does the participation of the youth in governance enhance

Zambia‘s Democracy?

2 In your own view, how has the participation of the youth in civil activities enhanced

Zambia‘s Democracy?

3 In your own opinion, how has the participation in party politics enhanced Zambia‘s

Democracy?

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To find out the challenges faced by the youth in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation.

1 According to you, how do politicians hinder/block the youth from fully participating in

Zambia‘s Democracy?

2 In your own view, what other challenges block the youth from fully participating in

Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

To provide suggestions to enhanced effective youth participation in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation.

1 In your own view, what measures should be taken to enhance proper youth

Participation in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

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Appendix C

Interview schedules (Youths)

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN ZAMBIA‘S DEMOCRATIC DISPENSATION.

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (YOUTHS)

Time of interview………………… Date of an interview…………………………

1 According to you, how do the youth participate in Zambia‘s Democratic

Dispensation?

2 In your own opinion, how are the youth supposed to participate in Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation?

3 From your own observation how does the participation of the youth enhance Zambia‘s

Democratic Dispensation?

4 What challenges do the youth encounter in Zambia‘s Democratic Dispensation?

5 What measures should be taken to enhance effective youth participation?

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Appendix D

WORK PLAN

No Activities to be Undertaken Done by Period Days

1 Secondary Data collection Researcher 1st-20th April.,2017 20

2 Preparation of Research Proposal Researcher 21st April-10th May, 2017 20

3 Formulation of data collection tools Researcher 11th-15th May, 2017 5

4 Editing proposal and data collection tool Researcher 16th-31stth May, 2017 15

5 Submission of Final proposal Researcher 5th June, 2017 1

6 Collection of Data Researcher 6th-30th June, 2017 25

7 Coding of data and organization Researcher 1st–12st July, 2017 11

8 Data Analysis and Interpretation Researcher 13-th 28th July, 2017 15

9 Report Writing Researcher 29th July-30st August, 2017 31

10 Submission of final report Researcher 31st August, 2017 1

Expected duration of the study is 144 days

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Appendix E

Proposed Budget

Source of Fund: Self

Activity1: Literature Review

Lunch for 2 weeks

K40. per day……………………………………………………...K560

Internet charges…………………………………………………..K150

Subtotal……………………………………………..……………K710

Activity 2: Proposal Preparation, Printing of Interview Guide

2 Reams of paper………………………………………...K100.

Typing and printing of 65 pages proposal @ K5………...K325.

Per page (2 copies needed)

Typing and printing of interview questions @K5....………K15.

Per copy

5 Pens @ K5.........................................................................K25.

2 Pencil @ K3........................................................................K6.

2 Rubber @ K5......................................................................K10.

1 Notebook @ K10...............................................................K10.

Subtotal……………………………………………….........K491.

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Activity 3: Data Collection

Lunch @ K40 per day for 25 days……………………..K1000.

Activity 4: Data Analysis and Final Reporting

Typing and printing of 88 pages Report @ K5…......…..K440.

Per page (2 copies needed)

Binding………………………………………………….K100.

Compact Disk (CD)……………………………………..K10.

Other Activities: Transport............................................................K500.

Subtotal………………………………………………..................K2050.

Grand Total……………………………………………………….K3,251.

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