BOOSTING DEMOCRACY
IT is time political leaders and Zambians at large realised the imperative need to grow and demonstrate true democracy particularly in time of campaign and elections.
Dynamics in a political system demand that democracy must grow to the extent that the whole population appreciates the benefit of participating in the governance system.
Thus, citizens must enjoy democracy and its benefits as well as understand it for what it is: a system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
Additionally, democracy requires a great deal of tolerance and co-existence of citizens across political lines, which value has eluded many political set-ups in many places.
Zambia ought to do better on that score.
The level of public discourse and interaction has taken too long to mature from infancy, as many a time, sentiments are laced with invective and unproductive undertones.
Invariably, some political players have driven political trajectory and competition to a very narrow perspective.
Their political disposition gives them away – they get engrained in discourse that is bereft of substance and flavour.
It is very clear too that some politicians’ insatiable appetite is not aimed at serving the public, but it is clearly for self-aggrandisement.
Some politicians get on platforms presenting themselves as “puritans” when in actual sense all they do is to lie through their teeth – unfairly hoodwinking the innocent majority.
It is such elements that have contaminated the political space, further stagnating the democratic growth that this country fervently requires.
We only have a month in between before the country gets to the polls and it is imperative upon each and every political player to clean up the mess and allow democracy to flourish.
Zambia was a pioneer of political reforms in Africa, migrating from a one-party state to pluralism which ultimately led to change of Government and the entire governance and economic system.
Institutions of governance were de-politised so was the economic outlay to the extent that citizens’ participation was enhanced.
Liberalisation entailed that Government participation in the economy and other matters was reduced, thereby creating more space for citizens’ participation.
What has gone wrong?
Democratic practices have not been nurtured because some politicians and their followers have neglected their obligation to serve humanity, opting to drive their narrow agenda.
Therefore, citizens must hold all leaders in both the ruling and opposition parties accountable for their actions and respond appropriately in the ballot.
Politicians ought to respect the people, who are the voters and their masters through selfless service, honesty and fairness.
They just have to be transparent in whatever they do for they are answerable to the majority citizens.
It is unfair and a stark mark of dishonesty for any one politician to get a vote through deception, disappear and only get back kneeling to the people during campaigns.
All aspiring Members of Parliament and councillors must be strictly scrutinised this time around; it should not be child’s play.
Politicians must save us from the circus and only engage in that which is right in the eyes of God.
Citizens have an inalienable right to make a decision during voting and they will certainly decide appropriately on August 12 – a few weeks from now!
PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY