Representative Democracy: A Call for Reforms

This article "Representative Democracy: A Call for Reforms" by Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J., addresses the current state of Zambia's representative democracy, highlighting the detrimental effects of the asymmetrical constitutional framework and the whip system on democratic representation. It critiques the practice of frequent by-elections, noting their high cost and diversion of resources from critical public services. The piece underscores the manipulation of parliamentary procedures for political advantage, leading to an imbalance of power in the National Assembly. The author advocates for electoral reforms, proposing amendments to prevent unnecessary by-elections and to ensure that MPs remain accountable to their constituents rather than their political parties. The call for a people-driven constitutional reform process is emphasized to uphold democratic principles and better serve the needs of Zambians.