Cardreism
 A Patriotic Front cadre during a 2019 rally in Lusaka | |
| Type | Political practice |
|---|---|
| Location | Zambia |
| Related topics | Patriotic Front |
Cardreism (also spelt Cadreism) refers to a Zambian political practice where loyal members of a ruling party, known as cadres, exercise informal control over public spaces, enforce political influence, and benefit from patronage networks. The term derives from the word cadre, meaning a committed group of party workers or activists trained to advance a political movement’s objectives.
In Zambia, Cardreism became widely recognized during the rule of the Patriotic Front (PF) between 2011 and 2021, when political cadres gained notoriety for their dominance in public markets, bus stations, and local communities.
Overview
In political terms, a cadre refers to an active, disciplined, and loyal member of a political organization entrusted with implementing party policies or mobilizing support. Across the world, cadre systems have been used in socialist, revolutionary, and nationalist movements to consolidate party structures.
In Zambia, however, Cardreism evolved beyond party organization to signify a parallel system of informal authority and control. Party cadres became self-appointed enforcers of loyalty, sometimes operating outside the law and undermining formal governance.
Characteristics
- Control of public spaces: Cadres asserted dominance over bus stations, markets, and other community facilities, often displacing local councils and transport associations.
- Unofficial taxation: They collected fees from market traders and bus operators, diverting funds from legitimate authorities.
- Intimidation and violence: Cadres were frequently linked to political violence, harassment of journalists, and intimidation of opposition supporters.
- Political patronage: Loyalty to the ruling party often granted cadres access to resources, contracts, and protection from law enforcement.
- Party–state overlap: The blurring of party and government functions led to compromised local governance and weakened state institutions.
Historical background
While political mobilization through youth wings and party loyalists has existed since independence, Cardreism became institutionalized under the Patriotic Front government led by Michael Sata and later Edgar Lungu. Initially seen as a grassroots strategy for maintaining party control, the system expanded into an entrenched culture of impunity.
Reports from civil society, media, and ordinary citizens documented cadres forcibly taking over revenue collection in markets and bus stations, intimidating local authorities, and occasionally engaging in violent confrontations with police and rival party members. The situation became a key issue in public debate, with many associating it with corruption, lawlessness, and loss of investor confidence.
Decline after 2021
The election of President Hakainde Hichilema in August 2021 marked a turning point. The new administration of the United Party for National Development (UPND) launched a campaign to eliminate cadre control in public spaces, restore order, and strengthen local governance systems. These efforts received broad support from the public and business communities.
Nevertheless, observers continue to warn that Cardreism could reappear under different political banners if systemic reforms and civic vigilance are not maintained.
Legacy and societal impact
Cardreism remains a cautionary example of how political patronage and weak institutional oversight can erode governance and public trust. It also demonstrates the long-term challenges of separating political loyalty from public service in emerging democracies.
