https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/62 2026-05-07T02:46:15Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/208 Title: The Effects of Voter Apathy on the Growth of Electoral Democracy in Zambia with Special Focus on Kabwe Central Constituency. Authors: Mataka, Blessing; Nkandu, Mwaka Ossin Abstract: This paper analyses the effect of voter apathy on the growth of electoral democracy in Zambia with a focus on Kabwe central c onstituency. This study was a response to the decline in terms of voter turnout between 1991-2015 general elections in Zambia. This study relied on a mixed approach which combined both qualitative and quantitative research and used key informants for in-depth interviews and questionnaires. The study reveals that there is a positive co- relationship between voting and the growth of electoral democracy since voting promotes citizen participation which is one of the cardinal elements for the growth of electoral democracy. The study further revealed that elections fosters political tolerance and ensures peaceful tra nsfer of power. However a myriad of factors account for voter apathy, these include failure to change leadership, failure to honour campaign promises by candi dates who emerge victorious, electoral violence, and religious beliefs, age eligibility, limited voting hours and lack or inadequate voter education. The study concludes that the problem of voter apathy is one of the major threats of any democratic process and it is exacerbated when the election process lacks cred ibility. The 2016 Zambian General elections were characterized with a lot of irregularities which saw the election results challenged in the Constitutional court by the main opp osition political party the United Party for National Development (UPND). The study recommends for an automated biometric voter registration system and that it be a continuous process in order to allow those that would have attained the voting age and relocated to be registered in tho se areas. The study further recommends the change in the voting system to allow for compulsory voting to everyone with a national registration card as a mechanism to increase levels of voter turnout. The study also recommends reforms to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in order for it to be an inde pendent, competent, autonomous, and impartial arbiter which can inspire confidence in the electoral process. Finally, voter education should be strengthened and conducted from time to time to empower voters with necessary knowledge and skills about elections. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/206 Title: The Impact of Community Participation on Community Development in Zambia: Case Study Nsanjika Area of Nsingo Ward in Luangeni Constituency of the Eastern Province. Authors: Mataka, Blessing; Nguluwe, Peter, Rabson Abstract: This study was aimed at assessing the impact of community participation on community Development in Zambia in general and Nsanjika area of Nsingo ward in Luangeni constituency of the Eastern province in particular. The research was prompted by the gap that has been prevalent in the provision of services by government; this gap exists between ‘what people need and what government provides. This gap is brought about by lack of collaboration between government and the people for which services are being provided, the aim of this study was to find ways which this gap can be closed and the impact the involvement of the people has on their development. The study is grounded in David Easton’s systems theory. A triangulation inquiry was used and questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis. The study revealed that inasmuch as the citizens are aware of the institutions and structures to promote community development, there was lack of citizen involvement in decision making and participation in the implementation of community projects. The study therefore recommends the a bottom up approach to the identification of community problems and the involvement of the community in the formulation and implementation of projects in their areas. 2020-06-01T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/202 Title: Barotseland and the advocacy for statehood: A case entailing the complexities of statehood and state recognition in public international law Authors: Mwansa, Ancietos 2017-11-30T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/201 Title: A Review of Zambia’s Economic Diplomacy with a Special Focus on Zambia-China Relations 2010-2018 Authors: Mataka, Blessing; Nzala, Oliver, Muleya Abstract: Economic diplomacy is an important tool for foreign policy of the government to promote economic interest of Zambia in relation to trade promotion, attracting investment through channels of diplomacy. Finding markets for exports and attracting foreign direct investments become critical in the development of a country especially when the domestic economy is too small to meet the economic demands of the population. For Zambia to attain sustained economic growth, strong foreign economic relations and more integration in the world economy are needed to promote trade and investments. The research took a realist and liberalist approach in assessing Zambia‟s economic diplomacy from the independence era to date. No research has ever been done on Zambia‟s use of economic diplomacy as a field of diplomacy. Therefore, it relied on secondary data and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former Zambian diplomats and people from the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Experts in the field of economic diplomacy were interviewed during the study, all of whom emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy to Zambia‟s aspiring of becoming a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030. The Zambian government together with its diplomatic missions abroad and trade representatives from the business community have a critical role to play in advancing the economic diplomacy agenda of the country in a world where national interests serve both state and non-state actors. These key agencies have a role of ensuring that they market Zambia with the best image building activities in the international arena by using the best tools. Low awareness levels were identified during the research including the pace at which non-state actors are being incorporated to spearhead the country‟s push for better and increased results through economic diplomacy. With emphasis on economic diplomacy, it is recommended that the country develops a national economic diplomacy strategy that outlines the key activities aligned to strategic economic sectors in order to have a much more result-oriented approach. There is also a need to build a positive image of the country that ably attracts investors and tourists. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z