Presidential Term Limits: Whose Responsibility Is It, Anyway?

Geoffrey MUSHAIJA

Presidential term limits debate is emerging and on the rise with expressions of uncertainty in the context of the limitations of constitutional term limits in different countries and it has turned into significant pre-occupation of the media.

However, the questions that remain unanswered are: Whose constitution is it, anyway? Who has the power to make it better?  The sufficient answer is that the citizen aspirations and decision matter. It is extremely a crucial responsibility and choice of citizens to shape the presidential term limits based on their own “marking scheme”.

It is the citizens who understand better their socio-economic and political terrain and their verdict is crucial in the analysis of change with continuity and prosperity debate. It would be unwise and irrelevant to ignore citizen concerns when looking at the presidential term limits debate scenario because it may threaten the essence of democracy in the long run.

The centrality of change with continuity is essential path to prosperity, national interests and ambitions. Change without caution is like “testing the depth of water with both feet” and is essentially equal to future disappointments.

The citizens’ wishes should guide debate on change to avoid imperfections that can reduce its effectiveness. Honouring citizen’s right to decide on what affects their stability, dignity, survival and wellbeing is critical for sustainability. Open consultation with the citizens on presidential term limits is a fundamental in building the future of a country on a firm foundation as a nation.

It would be unrealistic not to draw attention to the burden of task confronting a nation and the intrinsic value of citizen wishes and concerns in regard to change with continuity and prosperity. Allegiance to citizen choice provides democratic space to them as essential empowered active partners in electoral politics.