Transparency key in progressive democratic society - Hachipuka

Transparency key in progressive democratic society - Hachipuka
By Mutale Kapekele
Sun 14 Nov. 2010, 04:00 CAT

EMMANUEL Hachipuka has said the government should always remember that all power belongs to the people and should actively engage them in the budget process.

Discussing the value of budget transparency and accountability at a business forum convened by the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ), Hachipuka, who is chairperson of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) said the Constitution explicitly mentioned that the government was accountable to the people and should therefore be transparent in the use of public funds.

"Transparency is very important in any progressive democratic society. Open government decision-making induces responsible leadership," Hachipuka said.

"Accountability gives confidence in leaders and removes suspicion on how public funds are treated. There is need for citizens' participation in setting budget priorities and the need for government accountability cannot be over emphasized. For governments embracing democracy have a duty to be accountable according to article 1 and 2 of the (Zambian) Constitution, 'all power is for the people'."

He said accountability was not just a priority in people's involvement in the budget process but that large-scale bilateral organisations demanded it.

"For donors, accountability is a big factor in giving aid," he said. "External conditionalities are no longer a factor but internal checks and balances before we can be assisted. With transparency and accountability in place, people can even demand basic services to where they are supposed to be delivered."