By Brian Matambo | Lusaka
Patriotic Front Vice President Makebi Zulu has called for the protection of institutional integrity across Zambia’s governance system, warning that the country’s democracy cannot thrive where public institutions bend to political pressure.
In a reflective statement titled “Food for Thought,” Zulu said the strength and credibility of public institutions such as the Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Investigative Agencies like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as well as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, are key to sustaining democracy and public trust.
He stated that the Zambian Constitution envisions a governance model built on the separation of powers, where each arm of government operates independently but cooperatively. This balance, he said, prevents political domination and protects citizens from arbitrary rule.
“The challenge arises when institutions begin to align their decisions with the desires of the executive rather than their legal and ethical duties,” Zulu cautioned. “Such compromises erode public confidence and weaken the entire democratic fabric.”
Zulu warned that when the Judiciary fears political backlash or when prosecutors prioritise political loyalty over evidence, justice is compromised. He added that an electoral body perceived to be under presidential influence risks delegitimising the democratic process.
“These scenarios do more than distort governance. They corrode the moral authority of institutions entrusted to safeguard national interests,” he said.
He emphasised that true institutional integrity demands courage and professionalism, and urged civil servants and officeholders to remember that their ultimate loyalty lies with the Constitution rather than transient political powers.
Zulu called for stronger safeguards to protect institutional independence, including adequate funding, secure tenure, and transparent appointment processes for key oversight bodies. Without these measures, he warned, institutions risk becoming “instruments of patronage rather than pillars of democracy.”
He added that Zambia’s progress depends on institutions that can hold those in power accountable, stressing that when Parliament, the Judiciary, and investigative agencies act without fear or favour, citizens regain faith in the rule of law.
“The maturity of Zambia’s democracy will be measured not merely by elections, but by how faithfully its institutions serve the people rather than the powerful,” Zulu said. “Upholding institutional independence is not an act of defiance against authority, but a duty to the Republic.”
Zulu concluded his message with a note of encouragement, wishing citizens a “Blessed Sunday,” and reaffirming that national unity and justice can only flourish where institutions stand firm on constitutional principles.
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