28 August 2008
editorial
The MMD battle for presidential succession appears to have began in earnest although officially the contestants are not supposed to campaign until after the burial of late President Levy Mwanawasa.
So far six aspirants have declared their ambitions and hope to be chosen as the MMD candidate for the forthcoming presidential by-election.
From the look of things, others may join the fray and this promises to be an exciting as well as trying period for both the MMD as a party and the nation.
Clearly, it is how the MMD comes out of this contest after September 5 that will help to define the future of the party as well as Zambia.
There are many expectations from the public and the onus is on the aspirants who will be judged by what they will bring to the contest and eventually the task of leading the nation..
Looking and hearing from statements from individuals, chiefs, associations and institutions from various sectors of society, it is reasonably fair to conclude that not many people want whoever is elected to radically depart from the path set by Dr Mwanawasa.
For starters, the public expects that the next president will have the zeal and honesty to fight corruption in a fair but firm manner and that there will be no sacred cows.
It is also expected that the new leader's support to institutions of governance like the judiciary, Anti-Corruption Commission, Auditor General and others will continue so that the democratic process continues to move forward.
In the economic sphere, the public also expects that management of the economy will continue on a prudent path and there will be no radical changes.
In this case it is expected that investment intruments like the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) will continue to play its role of attracting investors and making sure that those that want to plough their money in the Zambian economy do not face unnecessary hurdles.
It also means that initiatives meant to empower Zambians like the Citizens Empowerment Commission should now fulfill their obligations in the near future.
Obviously, the public will also expect the next leader to maintain political stabililty in the country as well as foster good international relations with, and outside Africa.
The aspirants must therefore know that a lot is expected of them and whoever is chosen should put personal interests aside and work to advance the cause of the entire nation.
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