The Centre for Policy Dialogue says the continued failure to resolve and finalise constitutional reforms in Zambia has contributed to weakening the levels of public accountability.
Organisation Executive Director Caroline Katotobwe says it is important to note that the connection in the relationship between the ineffectiveness in the institutions expected to provide oversight and checks and balances and the failure by the state to utilise public resources in the interest of the country has worsened the situation.
Ms. Katotobwe says the legislative oversight on the executive has remained weak, exchange of favours and patronage have become more entrenched and this has been worsened by the prevalence of an unfettered presidential system and constitutional short comings.
Ms. Katotobwe notes that most of the institutions that are vital to maintaining checks and balances that are expected to be autonomous in their operations appear to be captured by the ruling political elites.
She further states that it is possible to argue that the tendencies have prevailed largely because of the constitutional gaps in ensuring that answer ability and enforcement measures are effective and functional.
