The 1996 Zambian Constitution and the search for a durable democratic constitutional order in Africa

Zambia’s search for an appropriate constitutional arrangement to govern the country has taken it through four constitutions since independence in 1964. This has not resulted in the progressive development of democracy and good governance. The latest exercise – the 1996 Zambian Constitution – has, arguably, left the country divided and with the least democratic constitution since independence. The author discusses the adoption of the 1996 Constitution against the background of Zambia’s colonial heritage and the earlier constitutions of 1964, 1973 and 1991. Through the discussion he explores the larger issues of constitution-making in Africa and the prerequisites for the establishment of a durable democratic constitutional order. Notes, ref.