Maravi

Ng’oma urges level playing field for politicians

Ng’oma urges level playing field for politicians
By Kombe Chimpinde
Sun 06 Feb. 2011, 03:59 CAT

A political analyst has called for a level playing field among political players ahead of this year’s general elections. Dr Alex Ng’oma, who is also Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) president, said elections in any democracy were a competition for people’s votes and it was vital for the best person to be elected fairly.

“Elections are about competition and any competition requires rules to support a level playing field which is necessary for the achievement of free and fair elections. This is because when the field is leveled there is equal chance for all contesting and a clear winner,” Dr Ng’ona said in an interview.

However, he said this could not be achieved without proper fundamentals to act as a guideline to the process and the period leading to it.

“For instance, now it is very worrying that other aspiring presidential candidates and their parties have to wait for the President to announce the elections when he deems fit. This is a disadvantage not only to the other players but the voters if the President decides to call for elections at his own time,” Dr Ng’oma said.

He said apart from enshrining the date of elections in the electoral Act, it was imperative to have an electoral body that would constitute an elected cross section of representatives.

“We need an autonomous electoral body constituting various stakeholders. This requires that proper electoral laws are enshrined before the elections. It is in the same vein that government should heed the calls from people to amend the Constitution and include the contentious clauses such as the 50 percent plus one, the swearing of the president within 90 days, the election of the vice-president as a presidential running mate,” Dr Ng’oma said.

Dr Ng’ona urged the government to heed calls for reforms to pave way for free and fair elections.

Labels: ALEX NG'OMA, FODEP

posted by MrK @ 7:24 PM