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Key Steps to build Transparency and Accountability in Zambia

Hope Mubanga|

On September 25-27, 2013, approximately 150 representatives from key stakeholders groups-government, civil society, media, private sector, academia, donors and regional and international organizations met in Lusaka, Zambia to reflect on the domestication of the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) and to leverage regional developments to enhance the enactment of Access to Information laws in African countries. The meeting also highlighted Zambia’s journey to enact its proposed Freedom of Information Bill and provide Zambians an opportunity to reflect on the multi-sect oral application of access to information.   

For me, it was a conference worth attending especially since Zambia has been grappling with enacting ATI legislation for 20 years now, undecided on whether or not to enact this legislation.  It is not clear what the basis of this indecision is, but regardless one can simply state that every government that has come and gone  has been fearful of  functioning in an open society,  reluctant to deter corruption  and allow for even the basic  of information being made available to common citizens to promote popular participation of its citizens and this has resulted in the creation of a governance environment that  remains  highly closed and  supported by a well- functioning  legal framework that was designed to promote  a closed society and maintain  effective checks and balances on any process  that seeks to promote politics of transparency, accountability, inclusion and diversity.  Socially and culturally, the country is faced with a number of emerging issues, for example,  women living with HIV, sex workers and LGBT individuals remain excluded from HIV information, education, communication and treatment  and once again, the  legal framework and the social attitude is very effective in creating an enabling and discriminatory environment.

The root cause of our country’s problems stem from our legal framework: a constitution that has failed to promote equity, tolerance, social accountability, transparency, accountability and one that discourages any participation of the majority of the people in determining how they want to be governed.  Yes, there is no right way of achieving democracy as democracy is a process but there should be a starting pointing that should allow societies to move towards one goal and direction. I have heard many say Africa needs to develop its own idea and meaning of development and not be driven by western agendas; this is so true and that is why Zambia needs to have an honest discussion as to what we want democracy to achieve for Zambia.  I strongly believe that democracy must grow from within, but for it to grow from  within, we as a society must agree on want we want to achieve from it as this is a key step in us moving forward to avoid confrontations on adapting our legal framework to suit the needs of our people.   It is about creating consensus on a starting point while taking into consideration the supply and demand side of democracy.  There is need for an honest discussion on what basic minimum provisions should be put in place to attain our common goal.

I am happy that the Patriotic Front Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed interest in being part of the Open Government Partnership multi-stakeholder process and that the current Minister of Information and Broadcasting, in his ministerial statement to Parliament on October 4th 2013 stated the PF government had agreed in principal to enact that ATI Bill and eluded to the fact that openness would build trust amongst government and citizens. However, I am still skeptical especially since Honorable Kapeya is accountable to the President of the Republic of Zambia and will act and respond to any pressure in the interest of the President, but at least a statement was made and it is now up to civil society and other actors to develop innovative ideas to drive the change that is needed.  I am also glad that the PF government has moved forward to revising the National Decentralization Policy 2013 but I do see a problem in the rational of the policy in that it does posses a challenge in itself to the citizenry in that citizens will only be able to exercise control over local affairs once the ATI bill is enacted.  Democratic accountability will not be strengthened by the review and implementation of developmental plans alone but through the creation of an inclusive democratic culture, open society and responsive government.  In order to enhance community participation both civil society and government need to promote community participation by first addressing  the  issues of indifference to matters of local governance and jointly work together to inculcate an inclusive society and  move away from this ruthless and intolerant  governance environment.  In addition, we the people must stop being indifferent to matters of governance and begin to meet our civic obligations. 

I look forward to seeing civil society step up to the plate and enhance organizational credibility and legitimacy and embrace the fact that they too must be open to scrutiny. We must have an honest discussion as to what we want to achieve from Democracy and stop hiding behind tradition and religion. We need to promote a society that is tolerant and inclusive for all. 

Photo credit: Dirt Road Zambia by Geof Wilson via Flickr

Filed Under: Anti Corruption and Integrity Anti-Corruption Institutions Challenges and Solutions Inclusion Public Participation Right to Information
Open Government Partnership