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Corruption Must Go!

Ladies and Gentlemen, what then needs to be done?

In the first place, let me repeat Government's position. This administration is committed to the rule of law. It shall, therefore, do everything in its power to achieve transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. Equally, it must be emphasized: our capacity for justice makes democracy possible; our inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary and dictates that systems and institutions must work and work as they should, without interference. To this end, and in our quest for a corruption free Zambia, there shall be no sacred cows. Lawbreakers and those who have abused and continue to abuse the trust of the people cannot expect kindness from the victims of their schemes and deeds. We stand by this.

Zambia is not for one political party. Zambia is not for one ethnic group or region. Zambia is neither for the rich alone nor for the poor only. Zambia is not for and shall offer no sanctuary to the corrupt. In this endeavour, this administration expects all men and women of good will and honour to join with us and fight corruption. The people of Zambia have duty to diselect a bad government and elect a government of integrity. A democratically elected government has a moral and legal duty to ensure that the trust of the people is upheld.

In practical terms, and if we are to 'honestly tackle corruption, as indeed we must, let us first and foremost do the most elementary things first. I. We must allow our legal, regulatory and law enforcement institutions and the professional men and women therein to carry out their work without fear of recrimination or threat of disbandment of their institutions or loss of employment.

2. We must strengthen all governance institutions including the ACC, Office of the Auditor General, Electoral Commission, DEC, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and all others. We must provide adequate resources, strengthen the capacity, and enhance the professional competence and personal integrity of our legal and law enforcement agencies. Once this is done, we can then confidently demand that allegations of corruption against persons or institutions contain reasonable basis to enable the professional men and women to investigate and establish proof or falsity ofthe allegation. 3. We must conclude the National Governance Baseline Survey, which the Government has embarked upon through the Governance Development Unit of the Ministry of Legal

Affairs. The baseline survey is critical to the preparation of effective intervention measures against corruption. 4. We commend and must support the work ofthe civil society, especially the NGOS, churches and others committed to the promotion ofthe dignity of our people.

5. The media has a special role. We must ensure that the Freedom of Information Act operates in order to promote informed public participation in national affairs. 6. We must continue with our current efforts at rebuilding integrity inpublic service. 7. We must review all the laws and orders that inhibit or constrain our people's rights to full open democracy. It is gratifyingthat there is a ground swell against the scourge of corruption everywhere in our country. Indeed, the time has come for a strong non-partisan national coalition to galvanize public opinion and co-ordinate initiatives and activities that can effectively bring about change of behaviour from tolerance to rejection of corruption. The time has come for the eradication of corruption by informed campaigns, advocacy and lobbying.

Excerpt from the Speech of His Excellency the President, Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, Sc. on the occasion of the formal launch of the National Movement Against Corruption on Thursday, l
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