Cardreism
| Type | Political practice |
|---|---|
| Location | Zambia |
| Related topics | Patriotic Front (PF) |
Cardreism (sometimes spelt as Cadreism) in politics refers to the practice where a ruling political party deploys loyal grassroots supporters, known as cadres, to exert unofficial control, dispense political patronage, and enforce the party's will, particularly in public spaces. Cadres often acted as a parallel authority, exercising influence outside formal government structures.
Key characteristics
- Control of public spaces: Cadres established informal control over bus stations, markets, and other public facilities.
- Taxation and rent-seeking: They often collected fees or levies from marketeers and bus operators, bypassing official local government channels.
- Intimidation and violence: Cadres were linked to political thuggery and intimidation, especially targeting opposition members, journalists, and citizens who resisted their authority.
- Political patronage: Loyalty to the ruling party could result in unofficial positions of power and access to funds, creating an informal patronage system.
- Party-state overlap: Cardreism represented the ruling party’s infiltration and subversion of state institutions, including local councils and security agencies, for partisan benefit.
Historical context
Although political party youth wings have always existed, Cardreism became especially visible during the Patriotic Front (PF) rule between 2011 and 2021. The practice contributed to corruption, disruption of economic activity, and loss of public order, and was cited by many observers as a factor in the PF's defeat in the 2021 Zambian general election.
Post-2021 developments
Following the election of President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) in 2021, the government prioritized the removal of political cadres from bus stations and markets to restore law and order. This action was widely supported by marketeers and transport operators.
The ongoing challenge is preventing the re-emergence of Cardreism in new forms or under future political administrations.
