Elections and After: What Citizens Must Know and Do

By Mapanza H Nkwilimba

Citizens of democratic countries periodically elect public officials to manage national affairs. However, citizens are often not sure of what to do before, during and after elections. This book explains what citizens must know and do to create conducive environment for free and fair elections, elect public officers that would serve them, and hold elected officials accountable in between elections. Although the book is written with Zambia in mind, it is relevant to citizens of other countries, especially in Africa. Citizens of other countries other than Zambia must refer to constitutions and laws of their countires and apply the general principles espoused in the book.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mapanza H Nkwilimba
• Release date: Aug 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9788835881155

Book preview

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Chapter One: Citizenship

What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? First and foremost, it means that you have a country that you belong to. You are a citizen of a country if you were born there or were granted citizenship by the governmental authorities.

As a citizen, you have the right to freedom of expression. This means that you can have an opinion, receive or impart information and ideas, and express yourself through creative arts, among others. You can also speak freely about anything related to your country. As long as you do not disparage others or incite hatred, war, genocide, crimes against humanity, or other forms of violence, no one should stop you from expressing yourself. The police should not stop you from expressing yourself. The army, the State Intelligence Community, politicians, elders, or anyone else should not stop you from expressing yourself. For instance, if there is corruption in high places and you decide to create and perform a song on it, no one should stop you from expressing yourself.

You can own property as a citizen; either as an individual or in association with others. The rights which enable you to own land, houses, automobiles and similar things are called civil rights.

You have political rights. You can take part in the politics of your country either as a voter or an office bearer at any level of the political structure of your country. Politics is not for some people only. Politics is not for a few people only. It is not for the educated only. It is not for the rich only. It is not for men only. It is not for old people only. Politics is for all citizens. All citizens have political