All That Glitters Is Not Gold: The Pitfalls of Broken Promises in Leadership

“I, Hakainde Hichilema, having been constitutionally elected to the Office of the President of the Republic of Zambia, do swear, that I will faithfully and diligently discharge my duties, and perform the functions in this high office. That I will uphold and maintain the Constitution and the Laws of Zambia, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Zambia, without fear, favor or ill will; SO HELP ME GOD.”

Zambia’s presidential oath concludes with the solemn phrase “So Help Me God,” invoking a call for integrity and moral uprightness from those taking office. This phrase ties the act of oath-taking to a deeper sense of truth and responsibility, resonating with a promise to uphold honesty and justice. For Hakainde Hichilema, who won the 2021 presidential election on promises of reform, this pledge was no exception.

Leading up to the 2021 elections, Hichilema championed himself as a beacon of hope and change. He vowed to restore democracy, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights. Through social media, he strengthened his appeal as a candidate poised to bring about real reform for the benefit of all Zambians.

Upon taking office, Hichilema’s inaugural address echoed the very principles that had earned him popular support. He spoke of a united, prosperous Zambia, where the basic needs of all citizens are met and fundamental human rights are protected. His speech filled the nation with hope as the crowd in Heroes Stadium erupted in applause.

Promises and Expectations

When asked by Voice of America journalist Peter Clottey about his approach to addressing press freedom and civil liberties after years of repression under his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, Hichilema vowed to end the abuses. He emphasized that his government would not tolerate the political interference that had previously marred Zambia’s democracy.

True to his word, Hichilema took significant steps to deliver on these promises. He signed into law bills that eliminated the death penalty and decriminalized defamation of the president. His administration appeared to set Zambia on a new, more democratic course, with early reforms restoring civil liberties and earning national and international praise.

However, as his presidency progressed, cracks began to appear.

From Reformer to Ruler?

Despite early reforms, challenges like electricity loadshedding began to erode public confidence in Hichilema’s leadership. The crisis at Zambia’s state-owned power company ZESCO exemplified his inability to fully deliver on his campaign promises, even as the nation continued to face regular power cuts. His populist image, once seen as a transformative force, became tarnished by his failure to address critical issues like the energy crisis.

As pressures mounted, concerns grew over Hichilema’s leadership style. His government began to exhibit signs of authoritarian tendencies, including arbitrary arrests of opposition figures, activists, and journalists. Hichilema’s decision to invoke the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021—a law enacted under his predecessor—sparked further alarm. Critics argued that this move directly contradicted the democratic ideals Hichilema had sworn to uphold in his oath.

The Road to Authoritarianism?

Scholars suggest that unmet promises can cause political leaders to act out of panic, seeking control to maintain their grip on power. This psychological shift can lead to increasingly authoritarian behavior, as seen in Hichilema’s June 2024 press conference, where he threatened to use military force to quell dissent. His aggressive response to criticism signals a departure from the reformist image he had so carefully cultivated.

Analysts now question whether Hichilema’s presidency has entered a dangerous phase, where fear and control may replace the open governance he once championed. The use of fear to suppress opposition is a tactic often associated with authoritarian regimes, and the Zambian president’s actions have raised concerns both domestically and internationally.

Looking Forward

Hichilema’s presidency, once seen as a beacon of hope, now faces a critical juncture. The energy crisis and growing dissatisfaction with his leadership have eroded the goodwill he once enjoyed. As Zambia’s Generation Z—the nation’s future leaders—watches closely, the question remains: will Hichilema find his way back to the democratic principles he swore to uphold, or will he continue down a path of growing authoritarianism?

The future of Zambia’s democracy hinges on his next steps.