|
Use political portfolio judiciously
2006-01-15 07:51:47
By Editor
Creation of a politics and public relations portfolio as one of the features of the new Cabinet formed by President Jakaya Kikwete recently, is a welcome move.
The portfolio, which is directly under the charge of the president but administered routinely by a minister of state, Mzee Kingunge Ngombale-Mwiru, is charged with, among other tasks, creating a warmer atmosphere between the government and the political opposition camp.
Its very creation renders hollow, allegations that the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Establishment is bent on killing the opposition, and set the country back on the single party course.
On the contrary, the new portfolio attests to the resoluteness of the government, and the ruling party to promote multi-party democracy.
Under its auspices, channels of dialogue will be opened up between opposition parties and the government, whereby ideas, views, opinions, proposals and whatever else, will flow freely.
Those ideas will enrich and broaden the leaders and members of all the parties on what multi-partyism really is, and how best to apply it in the political, economic and social fronts, for collective benefit.
It is pertinent to remind ourselves, indeed, that it is not only members of CCM, Chadema, CUF, PPT-Maendeleo and others, who are supposed to be beneficiaries of multi-partyism, to the exclusion of the rest.
Essentially, parties profess specific policies, programmes and projections, which are usually incorporated in their respective manifestos, and some of them are similar. Ultimately, however, these are meant to benefit all Tanzanians and project a positive image of the country to the outside world.
The parties, then, are not bitter enemies but friendly players belonging to different teams, each of which strives to win elections and govern the country. By extension, electoral victory and a chance (challenge) to govern is not should not be the sole aim of any party.
Parties must essentially be driven by the patriotic spirit, because the stability of the country, its economic prosperity, the welfare of its people and their rating by outsiders, come first, and individual stakes as office seekers follow; and even then, as agencies for serving fellow compatriots and not for enhancing personal egos.
Unfortunately, tension, suspicions, misunderstandings and witch-hunting are rife in the multi-party political arena.These have to be toned down and preferably eradicated altogether for the collective benefit of Tanzanians.
We urge the political opposition to avail themselves fully to the opportunities that the new portfolio offers, and for the government to use it judiciously, towards that ideal.
|
