KASONDE MISSES ECZ SCREENING AS HE REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY FACING 2 YEARS IN JAIL FOR CYBER
KASONDE MISSES ECZ SCREENING AS HE REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY FACING 2 YEARS IN JAIL FOR CYBER
OPPOSITION EFF leader Kasonde Mwenda has missed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) screening process, a key requirement for appearing on the presidential ballot, following his continued detention in police custody.
Mwenda was recently transported by police from Kabwata Police Station to Chinsali, a distance of over 800 kilometers, where authorities say he is expected to appear in court.
The outspoken opposition leader was arrested after allegedly posting claims that President Hakainde Hichilema’s motorcade had lost direction.
Police charged Mwenda under the newly introduced cyber crime law, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of up to two years imprisonment upon conviction.
His absence from the ECZ screening comes only days after he paid the K100,000 presidential nomination fee in preparation for his candidature in the upcoming elections.
Now he is regretting. It was too much.
No one is even visiting him because they all know how politically careless he was.
He was warned several times that he was crossing the red line sienzovela.
It was clear one day azakadyaka pa kapendo, si apa!
A well deserved misfortune. Probably he will come to his senses and act more maturely in politics. Good riddance.
It really makes no difference to the outcome of the presidential elections.
Mr. Kasonde’s impact is zero. He was actively courting jail as a rite of passage with his off key online rantings.
This is a sad situation and most unfortunate. The problem we have is that most of our youthful politicians have decided to fight battles they are unwisely engaging in.
Fundamentally a progressive fight must be on principle instead of blind loyalty with past associations which may not have relevance in the current necessary changing environment.
We need fresh blood coming into the political arena to uproot wrong systems of political governance which have exsisted for the past 60 years.
Where politics is largely centered around a political party. This is where some MPs disappear from their voters only to reappear when general elections come up. These type of people are more loyal and dedicated to the party than to the people they need to serve.
For instance most if not all political systems are seriously disconnected with the constituencies they claim to represent. when critically analysed you discover that at a local and grass root level the voters don’t have an official and legal structure which makes their leaders accountable.
There is need to encourage a more legal structure which is neutral and non aligned to political associations to participate in the governance of own constituencies.
This void is a starting point where the new entrants must strategically explore. The next dispensation of politicans will desperately need to evolve into a community based partner to serve it’s masses as oppossed to the horse and the rider mentality the old guys used to impose on the masses.
What has and will continue to necessitate this inevitable change of governance style is the fact that for decentralization to work effectively and efficiently a directly strategic participation of citizens will be needed.
Arising from this participation will be the increased level of accountability which the community will exert on those who the put into Parliament. Remember the base from which all political opponents derive their mandate is the constituencies where the voters reside.
Importantly ,an informed population will suddenly and progressively become a high standard that ensures and maintains a high level of leadership quality who when successfully voted for became members of parliament. Most citizens don’t even know there representatives. They know the party they stand on. This position must be corrected. They prospective MP must first be known by a great number of their people. To make this point very clear, I challenge each political party to do an internal survey and quest the citizens with their constituencies of interest. The results will be very interesting.
It will now take hard work and genuine interest to serve the people and this will be rewarded with a willing vote. Innovation is needed and required to participate in this kind of environment.
It is vitally important as a nation to stop discussing individuals and their limited personal aspirations and begin to talk about real pressing issues needing urgent solutions
For instance while we greatly appreciate the CDF great opportunities. Is it not important that as constituencies we ask the hard questions such as;
1. How does a citizens within a constituency participate in the decision making on how the funds allocated to his area is administered.
2. How are the ward committee members chosen on behalf of the citizens without their input. How exactly is this mandate obtained. Does arise from an appointment from an.MP. Is this correct or should the citizens be given the opportunity to vote for competent individuals who will ensure their interests are protected.
3. Who and how decisions are made to select which projects are of priority than others.
These critical issues are of great concern because without proper accountability and participation of the citizens abuse is inevitable. This is why for instance the in same places the same potion of the road year after year is being repaired without success and log lasting works being achieved.
This is a word of encouragement for those wishing to making a meaningful contribution that will last. I believe a real passion to partner with a community based approach is the only way the next generation pf politicians will find relevance.
