26 December 2011
editorial
FORMER presidents should at any given time occupy a dignified position in society and offer valuable advice on national as well as international affairs, particularly those pertaining to governance and conflict resolution.
After completing their term of office as prescribed by law, former presidents should assume a more benevolent status that would always inspire citizens in the countries they have served and other people beyond the borders.
It is for this reason that Zambia and many other countries have in place a law that provides for the benefits and other entitlements to this important office.
We, therefore, urge MMD president Rupiah Banda to relinquish his party position and instead assume a dignified position of a retired republican president.
It is surprising that Mr Banda is clinging to a political position and at the same time complaining that the Government is treating him unfairly by suspending disbursement of his entitlements.
The former president is well aware of the provisions of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act chapter 15, which clearly state that one has to retire from active politics to be eligible for payments from the Government.
‘Active politics’ under the Act states: “Holding of elective office or appointive office in a political party or an organisation whose main aim is the furtherance of political objective.”
It is clear, therefore, that Mr Banda could only be entitled to benefits under the Act if he abdicated his position as MMD president.
He has been entangled in this predicament because of the myopic decision the MMD under his guidance made to abolish the position of party vice-president.
The former ruling party and its leader are now ensnared in an embarrassing situation.
It is embarrassing firstly because the MMD government was the architect of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act.
Secondly, it is embarrassing because the matter is a simple one to solve – Mr Banda should just step down immediately.
Many former presidents in Africa have continued to enjoy the respect bestowed on the office of the former head of State.
They have continued to play international roles in peace building, democracy, and election monitoring.
Mr Banda should take a leaf from former leaders such as Joachim Chissano of Mozambique, Festus Mogae of Botswana, and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, who have international acclaim through various initiatives.
A partisan stance for a retired president is demeaning!
AllAfrica – All the Time
See more here:
Zambia: Former Head of States Must Occupy High Position in Society and Help with Governance and Conflict Resolution