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Dear
JCTR Bulletin Readers:
In a well-known popular definition, democracy is understood as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” One legitimate way in which such a government assumes office is through holding regular, free and fair elections. These are primary prerequisites for holding peaceful elections in a democratic nation. On 28 September, Zambia goes to the polls to elect the President, Members of Parliament and Councillors. Unlike the 2001, this year’s tripartite elections will be held under a new Electoral Act and Code of Conduct (but still heavily contested!). They both forbid before, during and after an election all corrupt and illegal malpractices, including bribery, impersonation, treating (e.g., giving or paying wholly or in part the expenses of any food, drink, entertainment) and undue influence (e.g., threatening to make use of any force or violence).
The Catholic Bishops of Zambia in July issued a pastoral statement, on Zambia’s 2006 Tripartite Elections The Truth Shall Set You Free, which was endorsed later by the two other mainstream Church mother-bodies -- the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia and the Council of Churches in Zambia. The Bishops, among other things, urge:
Every election is an opportunity for self-appraisal as a nation. It is not only about the election of leaders. It is an opportune time to review our past performance in order to prepare for better political choices for the future. Political reforms or transitions, of which elections are part, are meant to be a means of attaining higher goals of improved quality of the people.
As the Bishops further note, “Voting is not only a right but also a duty to the country to help identify and put in place credible people who will make state function in the promotion of the common good. Never get tired of voting, as your apathy will only give greater chance to opportunists to carry the day.” These strong words of wisdom should not only be seen to apply to the current elections, but also for any forthcoming by-election. Complete letter |
