REFINE ADOPTION PROCESS
THIS year’s adoption process for parliamentary seats has somewhat taken a new dimension as members in different political parties have gone out to demonstrate their prowess in the constituencies even before being selected.
In particular, Patriotic Front (PF) aspiring candidates went out of their way to donate to various groups and also embarked on projects such as sinking boreholes in constituencies.
More apparent in this competition is the use of personal resources on community projects, with aspirants pledging to do even more if they were ushered into office.
It will be interesting to learn if such donations and projects will continue while prospective leaders are waiting for the final selection.
Alert citizens will also be waiting to see if the adopted candidates and subsequent winners will continue using their personal resources at the same rate and interval on community projects.
Should the tempo and interval of interaction recede, the citizens will feel that the candidates did not mean well, but used them to get to Manda Hill.
In future, all parties must set ground rules for members seeking adoption so that the competition is well defined to enable the grassroot leadership and the citizenry in general make informed decisions.
In many countries, those seeking political office are subjected to public debates with their opponents so that members of their respective constituencies can assess them and make the right choice.
This is the mode which should be adopted and conducted in Town Hall meetings and aired on radio and television for the entire country to make an assessment.
However, the Grade 12 certificate requirement is one great stride which has somehow sieved a horde of political contenders.
Some people may argue that the requirement is discriminatory, but truth be told, it is a necessary yard-stick to ensure that Members of Parliament or councillors are able to discern issues considerably.
In the past, some MPs and councillors did not understand some issues fully because of low education levels and waffled throughout debates.
It is important to enrich debate in chambers as opposed to carrying passengers, yawning through the proceedings.
The level of debate ought to improve!
Yes, people should not only be craving for political office for narrow sectarian interest and self-aggrandisement, but should aspire to offer themselves for dedicated service.
It appears though that many people are jostling for positions as MPs and councillors for personal survival.
This is why most people lose focus from serving the pulic to serving a narrow and selfish agenda, hence they tend to abandon their constituencies and only return in time for campaigns.
Zambia has pressing economic woes which require a dedicated and honest cadre of politicians, who are hard-working.
The Zambian parliament and council chambers should only have committed and competent representatives who are able to devote their time to resolving issues and coming up with innovations along with their constituents.
Therefore, supreme organs in the respective political parties must ensure that they field candidates of high calibre and must not impose candidates who would be a liability the entire five years.
Voters on the other hand, must make sound judgement by voting for credible candidates.
PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY