RELIGION AND POLITICS IN ZAMBIA: INVESTIGATING THE RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE IN THE 2016 ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS

Abstract

This article qualitatively investigated the religious discourse in the 2016 electoral campaigns in Zambia using the media as a lens. The article observes that religion was increasingly used and abused in the 2016 election campaigns for political mileage by using religious songs, Bible verses, names and prayers. The campaigns also included accusations of Satanism and witchcraft. The declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation was a major factor in the use of religious citations in the political campaigns. However, just as the declaration was a mere pronouncement, the use of religion in the campaigns by politicians was merely for political gain and a campaign brand.