The FDD was founded in 2001 by former members of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), disaffected by Frederick Chiluba's efforts to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term.

In the National Assembly elections the party received 16% of the vote, winning 12 seats.

However, in 2006 the government de-registered the FDD on the grounds that it had failed to submit an annual report.

The FDD did not nominate a candidate for the 2008 presidential by-election, but put forward Nawakwi for the 2011 general elections.

The party won a single seat in the National Assembly, Chifumu Banda in Chasefu.