By Zambia Free Press Initiative
LUSAKA – The Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI) and Chapter One Foundation, with support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Zambia, on Monday, 15th September 2025, joined the global community in marking the International Day of Democracy. The commemoration, held at the WILS Hotel Supreme in Lusaka, attracted diplomats, government officials, civil society leaders, students, and members of the media.
The day was opened with keynote addresses from the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Zambia and Senior Counsel Musa Mwenye, who both underscored the need to protect Zambia’s democratic gains while confronting the challenges that threaten civic space and good governance.
Ambassador Pavel Procházka reflected on his country’s own democratic journey, recalling how the Velvet Revolution of 1989 ended decades of authoritarian rule in the Czech Republic. He emphasized that democracy must be defended daily through free institutions, independent media, and active citizen participation. “Democracy is not merely a system of government; it is a continuous process of dialogue, participation, and respect for the dignity of every individual,” he said.
Mr. Mwenye, in his keynote, warned against the dangers of “elected autocrats,” stressing that elections alone do not guarantee democracy. He called for vigilance to prevent leaders from consolidating unchecked power, reminding participants that Zambia itself experienced a slide into one-party rule just eight years after independence.
“Democracies can produce autocrats who are elected in free and fair elections but who create systems that become autocracies. Eternal vigilance is extremely necessary,” he noted.
Throughout the day, discussions explored Zambia’s democratic journey, the challenges and opportunities ahead of the 2026 elections, and the need to protect electoral integrity. Media freedom, the safety of journalists, youth participation, citizen engagement, digital rights, and inclusion of persons with disabilities were central themes.
Speakers stressed that democracy only thrives when citizens actively participate, institutions remain accountable, and all voices including those of women, youth, journalists, and persons with disabilities are heard and respected.
The presence of students and young leaders was widely acknowledged as a positive sign for the country’s democratic resilience. Ambassador Procházka reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s support for Zambia’s democratic process, highlighting development cooperation initiatives that include civic education, youth empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and water management. He noted that these programs are investments in the long-term democratic stability of Zambian society.
The presence of students and young leaders was widely acknowledged as a positive sign for the country’s democratic resilience. Speakers urged young people to claim their space, both online and offline, in shaping Zambia’s governance.
In his closing message, Ambassador Procházka reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s support for Zambia’s democratic journey, noting that Czech development cooperation spans areas such as civic education, youth empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and water management all investments that strengthen democratic resilience.
The International Day of Democracy, first proclaimed by the United Nations in 2007, is observed annually on 15th September. It serves as a global reminder that democracy, human rights, and development are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
For FPI and Chapter One Foundation, this year’s commemoration reinforced a simple but urgent message: democracy only thrives when citizens participate, institutions remain accountable, and every voice including those of women, youth, journalists, and persons with disabilities is heard and respected.
