A convention is the only way to end the wrangles. If he (Dr Mumba) doesn't want, then it is better to voluntarily de-register the MMD. The party stands a better chance of bouncing back but it cannot with Dr Mumba still president.
DORA SILIYA
(Spokesperson, MMD)
Leaving aside the internal politics of MMD we should all recognise that this is an economic issue. Zambia needs a strong opposition to develop as a country. A fairly obvious point that unfortunately is not always appreciated.
This is because stronger democracies on average do better than dictatorial or non-democratic regimes in delivering inclusive growth. And a strong opposition is necessary precondition to having a strong democracy.
Clearly much of progress that Zambia made during LPM and RBB years was due to the presidents who led Zambia at the time. And it is also true to say that the then opposition leader Michael Sata contributed significantly to keep them in check.
If MMD disintegrates and leaves space for another party to emerge as a credible threat to PF that may be good news for Zambia. If the disintegration leads to even more weaker opposition then ordinary Zambians have reason to be concerned.
The problem for MMD is historic. I am not aware of any party in Africa that has lost through the ballot box and has come back. I am also not aware of any party in Africa that has won power through the ballot box and lost it after 5 years. This point of course not just a worry for MMD but also for the rest of the opposition.
Now if you a member of MMD and are aware of those two anecdotes, I suspect it would not be very encouraging. Which of course leads to paralysis and a self fulfilling prophecy i.e. inevitable decline. For the simple reason that most parties are self enrichment projects. Once the prospect of winning disappear, people run away from it quickly!
AUTHOR
Chola Mukanga | Economist
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