OPP PROPOSES MERIT-BASED APPROACH TO CABINET APPOINTMENTS
OPP PROPOSES MERIT-BASED APPROACH TO CABINET APPOINTMENTS
Organized People’s Party (OPP) President Brian Mushimba has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to consider a merit-based approach in finalising Cabinet, arguing that government should prioritise competence over political patronage.
Dr Mushimba said the OPP would, if given the opportunity to govern, establish a database of 200 exceptionally qualified Zambians across strategic sectors, including finance, mining, energy, agriculture, medicine, technology, education, engineering and diplomacy.
He said the party would use a 100-point competency matrix to identify the strongest candidates for each ministry, stressing that the process should be transparent and based on clearly defined criteria.
“We would employ a 100-point competency matrix to identify the strongest 2–3 candidates for every ministry,” Dr Mushimba stated.
He proposed that shortlisted candidates should undergo panel discussions and appear before Parliament for ratification before being appointed to lead strategic sectors.
Dr Mushimba said Zambia needed to utilise its best citizens regardless of their political affiliation if the country was to realise its full potential.
“We unapologetically believe that Zambia must build its government on merit/competence rather than political patronage,” he said.
He described the proposal as part of the OPP’s national renewal and generational leadership agenda, which he said the party would continue advocating ahead of the 2031 elections.
“This is the national renewal / generational leadership concept that we campaigned on and shall continue speaking about as we march towards 2031,” Dr Mushimba stated.
He further argued that competent government would improve service delivery and promote national unity.
“When government is competent, it delivers for all its citizens!” he emphasised.
VDr Mushimba urged the President to consider the proposal as a possible unifying step for Zambia.