Recommendations by EU to scrap off G12 qualifications opposed

Electoral Expert Macdonald Chipenzi has disagreed with the European Union Election Observation Mission’s recommendation to do away with the Grade 12 academic qualification for one to aspire for elective political position.

Mr. Chipenzi says with the decentralization process is at its peak and having Councilors, mayors council chairpersons, Members of Parliament, Ministers and Presidents who can barely read and write or competently analyze national and global issues will undermine the decentralization process in Zambia.

Mr. Chipenzi who is also GEARS Initiative Executive Director suggests that Zambia must in fact advocate for an upward adjustment of qualifications for the said positions from Grade 12 to a degree qualification for quality leadership and debate in parliament.

Mr. Chipenzi says Zambia has enough secondary schools and university graduates to provide leadership nurseries with qualifications adding that Zambia needs quality laws and this can only be done with well qualified elected leaders.