Editing History of Zambia (section)

===End of one-party rule===

One party rule and the declining economy created disappointment among the people. Several [[strike action|strikes]] hit the country in 1981.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CRISES OF EXPECTATIONS: WORKERS' STRUGGLES IN ZAMBIA, 1964-2011|url=http://dspace.unza.zm/bitstream/handle/123456789/6035/PHD%20THESIS%20F.E%20MULENGA%20041217.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|last=MULENGA|first=FRIDAY ELIYA|date=2017|website=unza.zm}}</ref> The government responded by arresting several [[trade union|union]] leaders, among them [[Frederick Chiluba]]. In 1986 and 1987, protests arose again in [[Lusaka]] and the [[Copperbelt]]. These were followed by riots over rising [[food prices]] in 1990, in which at least 30 people were killed. The same year, the state owned radio claimed that Kaunda had been removed from office by the [[Military of Zambia|army]]. This was not true, and the [[1990 Zambian coup d'état attempt]] failed.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Perlez |first1=Jane  |date=1990-07-01 |title=Failed Zambia Coup Weakens Leader |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/01/world/failed-zambia-coup-weakens-leader.html |access-date=2022-05-26 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

These extensive protests made Kaunda realise the need for [[reform movement|reform]]. He promised a [[referendum]] on [[multiparty democracy]], and lifted the ban on political parties. This resulted in the quick formation of eleven new parties. Among these [[Movement for Multiparty Democracy]] (MMD), led by former union leader Frederick Chiluba, was the most important. After pressure for the new parties the referendum was canceled in favour of direct multiparty election.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-09 |title=Kenneth Kaunda: The dove which triumphed over hawks and vultures, By Owei Lakemfa |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/472583-kenneth-kaunda-the-dove-which-triumphed-over-hawks-and-vultures-by-owei-lakemfa.html |access-date=2022-05-26 |language=en-GB}}</ref>