FODEP counsels political parties in year-end message
The year 2014 was characterized by political confusions caused, partly, by defective party constitutions, limited intra-political party democracies and poor political culture that disregarded tenets of democracy.
This “political Ebola” affected almost all major political parties and caused political party instability which consequently threatened the existence of an effective political system in the country.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) appreciates the key role the judiciary played in treating the “Political Ebola” that almost ravaged most political parties hence the relative stability observed towards the latter part of the year.
In this regard, FODEP appeals to all political parties to review their constitutions ahead of the 2016 tripartite elections to make them more user-friendly and democratic.
The death of Republican President, Mr. Michael Sata, MHSRIP, opened a can of democratic deficits in the current constitution and vindicated those of us who have been demanding for the enactment of a new people driven constitution.
Controversies that surrounded the power transfer after Mr. Sata’s death emphasized the need for the agent attention by ruling elites to prioritize the enactment of a new constitution.
The invalidation of section 67 of the Penal Code by the High Court on December 4, 2014 gave a deep sigh of relief to many Zambians whose freedom of expression was gagged for 76 years (1938-2014) by successive governments using law enforcement agencies.
Therefore, the fall of 2014 exposed failure by the government to fulfill most of the 2011 election campaign promises among them the enactment of new constitution, enactment of Access to Information Law, review of electoral law, local government Act, review of the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009 among others.
As we enter the Year 2015,though at a crucial time,when Zambians will be electing a new Republican President, the political, social and economic gains of 2014 should be consolidated while the deficits should be addressed with the urgency they deserved by the new administration.
The call for the enactment of a new constitution and electoral reforms should be louder than ever before in 2015 and citizens should be consistent in holding elected and government leaders accountable. It is FODEP’s considered desire that 2016 elections will be held under a new Constitution and Electoral Law.
Finally, FODEP is paying glowing tribute to the media for the cordial working relationship built in 2014 and hopes the same to continue in the year 2015. Without the media, FODEP’s contribution to the democratic consolidation and good governance in Zambia would not be appreciated by the citizens.
Further, FODEP is grateful to its cooperating partners for the unwavering support throughout the year and the continued confidence in the work of FODEP.
Lastly, FODEP appreciates the constructive interactions with political parties especially PF, MMD, UPND, NAREP, FDD and ZADECO and their support to FODEP activities throughout the year. It is FODEP’s prayer that 2015 will even see strengthened collaborations.
During our tour of duty in 2014, FODEP may have stamped on people’s social, political and economic interests of many of its collaborators, it is our sincerely belief that was not personal but for the betterment Zambia and institutions of governance.