End Undemocratic Rule in Africa

Kent Durr, MP


The ACDP calls upon political parties in South Africa and in the region to cease and discourage the growing convention of allowing past Presidents of countries to continue as leaders of their respective political parties after they retire from public office as Presidents or Heads of State.

We note that the practice frustrates the whole point of limiting the term of office of Heads of State. Furthermore, as in Malawi recently, it creates tension between the parliamentary and extra parliamentary forces.

It also allows departing presidents to remain de facto leaders, retaining effective power, as we have seen in Namibia recently. This is undemocratic.

The President of Namibia is a lame duck. We know where the power lies in Namibia. Also in Zimbabwe. there is talk of Mugabe wishing to retain de facto control after his term of office as President expires.

The effect of shifting power and influence from the democratic institutions to non-elected leaders of political parties, strikes at the very heart of liberty and constitutional government.

Parties should take a leaf from past President Mandela's book.

There is no reason why a political party cannot honor a former leader by making them
"Honorary life Presidents", a non-executive neutral position.

The ACDP thus calls upon African political parties to so amend their constitutions where necessary so as to make this growing practice unlawful. Kent Durr, MP ACDP