Abstract
This article contributes to a critical assessment of the concept of democracy and consensus decision-making of the Bemba matrilineal governance system as a basis for a democratic model of engagement in African politics from an African theological perspective. It is of the opinion that assessing the concept of democracy by consensus decision-making of the Bemba provides a dialogue between the African traditional governance systems as a viable form of political governance ideal for multi-ethnic countries such as Zambia. This is a pinnacle of the 21st century debate which elaborates the important task of African Christian Theology in the rehabilitation, or renovation process of politics of identity for an authentic governance system with authentic African flavour for African governance systems.
Highlights
This article proposes an emergence of an alternative paradigm of democracy based on the matrilineal governance system of the Bemba-speaking people of Zambia as a remedial model of democracy in Zambia
It is within that demonstrative understanding that the article argues for a non-party consensual democracy that is based on the governance system of the Bemba as a remedial critique to the current model of democracy that is fraught with problems bedevilling contemporary Zambia especially the political problem of ethnic and tribal differences today
The major task that is ideal for Zambia should be such that any model to be considered must be adaptable to the unique nature of the countries traditional and cultural value systems if positive results are to be attained in terms of governance
Summary
It should be noted that sometimes ‘the systems did manifest exclusion, for instance elitism and male domination’ (Bradley 2005:414) but these are the areas that in the rehabilitation process of African governance would be taken into consideration in order to meet the standards of modern society within the tenets of the African ethos It is out of this profound history of Africa’s democratic value system that the article endeavours to formulate an ethical– theological frame work to guide the proposal for a non-party democracy by consensus as a new direction for a Zambian African political system. It calls for serious theological and ethical thinking in the formulation of a moral framework or guide that, by and large, informs the Zambian situation if the proposition of a non-party model of democracy by consensus is to be feasible in the Zambian situation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
