MALPRACTICES IN THE RUN UP TO THE UPND CONVENTION- PART 2

Dear Editor,

WE have always insisted that the hurriedly organised UPND convention is unsatisfactory and does not promote the fundamental tenets of democracy.

We hold the view that democracy cannot be reduced to the conduct of elections but there are other inter linked factors which supplements the electoral process.

In the previous write up, our focus was on the events that took place on the day Mr Hakainde filed his nomination papers to contest the party Presidency, now we look at other factors which fundamentally undermine democracy in UPND.

There are a number of shortcomings which have gone to the roots and spirit of Article 60 of the Constitution. After a 15year drought of intra party democracy, the UPND had a vivid opportunity to redeem democracy and also ensure that its practices are redefined to be in conformity with democratic tenets.

From 2006 elections, the UPND presidency has been the absolute authority in all matters pertaining the direction the party ought to take. Besides validating the nomination of the party long standing ruler, there was need for the party to revisit its custom and its institutional reforms and ensure that democracy is promoted not only in words but equally in deeds.

There are critical matters such as the decision whether to belong or not belong to the alliance have all been dependant on the undue influence of the President.

The appointing and dismissal its vice presidents has been done at the will of the party president. The UPND should have utilised this rare opportunity to reform the internal party governance before it can extend to national level.

From the times nominations were filed by HH to defend his seat, we raised alarm on the apparent acts of impropriety such as his supporters hijacking the nomination centre and his lieutenants presiding over the process leading to the election.

We lamented how the party chairpersons could endorse an aspiring candidate as its official candidate. That on its own is the fragrant disregard of the rules of fair play.

We are not surprised the UPND electoral commission supervised by Mazabuka Member of Parliament

Garry Nkombo could declare HH as its unopposed Presidential candidate. While the National Management Committee ought to be dissolved prior to elections, the UPND chairperson for elections had not vacated his seat thus might have exercised undue influence.

The other practice which casts doubt on the party’s internal democracy is the despotic and unbridled power that are vested in the UPND Presidency.

The UPND president has the final say on who becomes Vice President, Chairperson, Secretary General, or be assigned to the specific role within the National Management Committee.

This is contrary to the popular claim that they intend to limit the powers of the President of the Republic. They ought to have taken advantage of the convention to amend the party constitution and allow people to freely contest specific positions.

Going by the foregoing, we have no confidence that the UPND convention has upheld the fundamental tenets of good governance. Democracy in UPND in its infancy stage and it cannot be reduced to holding of the convention at the compulsion of the Republican constitution.

We can only wish the UPND members who are democracy loving can discern and appreciate our overriding national interest to be elevated above narrow partisan affiliation.

ZAMBIA and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have heightened measures to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

Milenge District authorities and officials from DRC’s Nongo area have restricted movements between the two countries in the three entry points as a preventive measure against the spread of Coronavirus.

Milenge District Commissioner, Mwenya Bupe noted that the border between the two countries is porous and nationals cross to either of the two countries for economic activities.

Speaking during the joint meeting held in the Milenge Council Chamber, Mr Bupe said it is important for authorities in Milenge District and those in DRC’s Nongo area to enforce health regulations.

Mr Bupe stated that it would be an exercise in futility for Zambian authorities to enforce health regulations while their Congolese counterparts are doing the opposite.