President of the UPND, Hakainde Hichilema says it is not enough that his party must seek good leaders, but it must create strong institutions that serve the interests of the people and keep the leaders in check.
He says while there are various State Institutions that are mandated to support good governance, our constitutional democracy and the rule of law, their strength lies in them being independent and free from political manipulation.
Hichilema says when institutions are weak, they are vulnerable to abuse and do not serve the interests of the people.
He says key institutions that come to mind that require reform are the National Prosecution Authority, The Anti-Corruption Commission, The Auditor General, the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
He adds that others include the Independent Broadcasting Authority, The Constitutional Court, the Human Rights Commission, The Financial Intelligence Centre, Zambia Police and the Public Service Management Division, among others.
Hichilema says the idea behind the need to have strong institutions is premised in the need to fulfil their desire to have a government that aptly serves its people in an equitable and just manner.
“I look forward to sharing our updated manifesto with you all. Our roadmap for change is clear, practical and will bring about the required reforms our country needs once we form government this year,” he adds.
Hichilema points out that his administration will also respect the freedom of information to allow for greater transparency.
“A free press that is at liberty to perform its function without fear of closure and persecution is an absolute must in a democratic system for institutions,” he says.
The UPND leaders adds that to have an additional layer of oversight and transparency, in the interest of the public, his party believes that certain institutions must have office bearers who are protected by the constitution and some granted security of tenure.
According to him, these includes heads of investigative wings and other sensitive agencies where political interference is rife and where threats of dismissal keep them from making ethical decisions that harm the ruling party and its affiliates.
He says the President must be limited in this regard and authority must be devolved to competent committees.
“In conclusion, strong oversight, institutional independence, transparency, devolution of authority and clear consequences of breach, without fear or favour, will enable the strengthening of our institutions,” he adds.
This what is needed, if what you are saying is true then we are going to Zambia to the next level, unlike what we are experiencing right now were police officers failing to do what is right, in fear of being fired or trafered, I think in my on capacity of my thinking this must be surppoted by all well meaning Zambian, who mean well for the country, so the some relevant institution that are meant to help the government in governing the country, to put government to accountability as well as tresparanc, which will keep Zambia free from corruption, without saying much, I would like to salute you for such program.2021 it’s Zambia forward.