Opposing 50%+1 threshold

Opposing 50%+1 threshold
By MM
Sun 24 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT

The justification given by the MMD and its government for the vigorous campaign waged against the 50 per cent + 1 provision in the new constitution is that it will be a recipe for anarchy. The question is how?.

It is like raising the pass rate in an examination and some students cry foul that it will be a recipe for failing examinations. This apprehension can only come from empty tins and not brilliant students. The same is true for the 50 per cent + 1. Only unpopular parties will be apprehensive about this provision.

They have even gone further to cite wrong examples of Zimbabwe as a case in point. We all know that the political problems in Zimbabwe have nothing to do with this provision in their Constitution but due to the chaotic land reforms, coupled with the alleged bad governance and poor human rights record.

I wish to make a strong appeal to the government officials and in particular their propagandist, Ronnie Shikapwasha, that when making public statements, they should realise that they are addressing an informed global audience and not family members in their homes. Sometimes it is important to keep quiet than displaying ignorance and hypocrisy of the highest degree.

President Banda and his colleagues should also know that by raising the pass rate in presidential elections, it does not mean that the second round is garanteed in every election, just like raising the pass rate in an examination does not garantee that everybody will fail the examination.

In 1991 and 1996, Chiluba met this threshold in the first round. Since they are resolved to kill this provision, I can't wait to see if they will succeed at the people's forum (referendum).