3 December 2008
editorial
THE role of opposition political parties in a democratic set up is to be an alternative to a sitting government by offering solutions.
In times of crisis, opposition political parties are supposed to work with the government and come up with suggestions on how the country can move forward.
But in Zambia, the internationally accepted definition of an opposition political party has taken a new meaning, which is far away from their designated roles.
Opposition political parties in Zambia have long viewed the Government as an enemy and criticise at every turn instead of offering solutions.
This has left opposition parties irrelevant in the eyes of many Zambians despite several opportunities for them to prove that they are there to offer an alternative government.
We have in mind here the global financial crisis which has put the world in a recession that will need a Zambian solution where the crunch hits hard.
In Europe, the Americas and Asia, governments and opposition political parties have come together to find solutions to the invading global crisis.
Besides the global crisis, Zambia has been affected by the falling copper prices on the world market.
All these will in one way or another haunt Zambia and a national solution will have to be found sooner rather than later.
It will, therefore, be important for politicians on either side of the isle to put their heads together and find lasting solutions to national problems if Zambia is to move forward.
This is what Zambians want to see and it is our hope and prayer that opposition parties will heed Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Brian Chituwo's invitation to a stakeholders meeting on the spiralling cost of the country's staple food, maize meal.
This is a chance for opposition political parties in Zambia to make themselves relevant and show that they are not there just to usurp power, but help Zambia develop.
Dr Chituwo extended the invitation to the opposition yesterday to come up with suggestions on how best to address the escalating food prices for the benefit of Zambians.
As he stated, this is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is part of the democratic process, which embraces dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders when the country demands.
There can be no better time than now for politicians to come together and find an answer to Zambia's economic and political problems.
After all, both the Government and the opposition are there to serve Zambia and here is a chance to show leadership qualities.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 The Times of Zambia. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
