Zambia’s democracy is in serious danger if the new government allows the institutions of governance weakened seriously under the Patriotic Front government to operate as they are today.
As a matter of urgency the new government should clean up these institutions especially the Police and Electoral Commission of Zambia. The relationship between those who were governing and the governed under the Patriotic Front government became antagonistic. Deceit, corruption political violence, tribalism and unfair policy implementation manifested and became the order of the day under the PF government. Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Zambia Police were not only a hindrance to democratic growth but also a potential danger to our national security.
The acts of the police and ECZ in recent years have not only been disappointing but were also an abdication of their duties as provided for by our specific legislations respectively. Individuals who were active at abusing their offices especially under the Police and ECZ must be brought to account for their actions whilst in those positions which on record some people died out of the failure to act as provided for by the Act.
The new UPND government must be warned that one of the factors that has brought down the PF regime today is their failure to take action against corruption and abuse of office and criminality at the hands of the cadres. Therefore, UPND both as a party and in government is encouraged to pursue good governance principles a departure from the way PF governed.
Criminals and those who abused their offices should individually account for their actions whilst in offices. The resounding vote given to UPND is a mark of confidence by the public and whereas also a mark of no confidence in the PF government. Let the law take its course and bring to book all those who abused their offices during the PF tenure. UPND is credited with a strong government with overwhelming representation in parliament and therefore changing of bad laws shouldn’t be a problem.
Clean up ZNBC too to ensure they work professionally to get back their credibility which they have lost over the years. Take back to parliament Freedom of Information Bill which may help ZNBC claim its position as national broadcaster.Political violence, political hooliganism and banditry in the name of cadres at bus stops and markets must immediately come to a stop. Let the markets and bus stops be run by the local authorities through respective councils.
No institution should be used against political opponents as a way to settling scores as was the case under the fallen regime. Allow ZRA to operate professionally with its mandate to collect taxes. How they collect these taxes should not be politically motivated. As you settle down ensure that key individuals who run key institutions must be sent on forced leave to ensure that they may not affect the smooth take off of your government. Take time and carry out personnel audit especially in the Zambia Police to rid off bad eggs to bring back the trust of the public on their Police.
Also ensure that all compromised Officer in Charges are either redeployed without giving excuses of ‘just dong their jobs’, as professional Police should have refused to take unlawful orders from whoever who could have impressed on them or be retired even if it is costly.
Zambia’s democracy needs to grow and as long as the these institutions of governance remain weak, as a country will be grappling with poverty, insecurity and violence. Zambia need a fresh start to take us to the default position and UPND has been given an opportunity to unite Zambians and this will only be effective if the UPND government as a matter of urgency strengthen the institutions of governance.
Congratulations to HH for being elected as the 7th President of Zambia and the UPND on their resounding victory.
Good luck
Francisco Mumba
Governance Specialist.
