By Isaac Zulu
Former Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba has observed that the grade 12 qualification requirement for one seeking political office discriminates people that are eligible to participate in the civic and political affairs of the country.
Commenting on the recommendation by the European Union Election Observer Mission that Zambia should do away with the grade 12 qualification requirement for individuals seeking political office, Ambassador Mwamba stated that there is no need to create classes of people in society.
Speaking wit him Daily Revelation on the subject matter, Amb Mwamba observed that the principle that: “He who votes must be eligible to be voted for” must apply.
“We support the European Union Election Observer Mission recommendation on education qualifications because it discriminates our people eligible to participate in the civic and political affairs of our country. The principle “He who votes must be eligible to to be voted for” must apply,” Ambassador Mwamba stated. “We should not create classes in our society.”
Ambassador Mwamba further recommended that there is need to introduce local languages in Parliament and Council Chambers.
“We should also introduce local languages in our legislature, Parliament and Council Chambers,” added Ambassador Mwamba, who also served as permanent representative to the African Union.
