Daviz Simango reiterates support for autonomous provinces

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Daviz Simango reiterates support for autonomous provinces

2:35 CAT | 06 Jan 2016

In file Club of Mozambique

The President of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), Daviz Simango, yesterday reiterated his support for the creation of autonomous provinces in Mozambique, with the election of provincial governors, saying that the measure will introduce a “culture of responsibility” in Mozambique.

“Mozambique is experiencing strong centralist and hegemonic tendencies, and it is necessary to oppose this mentality with more consensual policies,” Simango says, arguing that only by popular vote can the important administrative function of the provincial governor be exercised in a democratic manner.

Simango, who is also mayor of Beira, insists that Mozambique needs to become a “less centralized and less bureaucratic” state, arguing that the constitutional revision, could facilitate political diversity without threatening the sovereignty of the state.

“Under true rule of law, whoever is endorsed by the people governs, and this is done by ballot at the polls in a transparent, free and fair manner” Simango said, criticizing the lack of respect he sees for elections in the country and accusing the government of “violating human rights”, and, in a reference to Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama’s current status, recklessly pushing the country in the direction of ”whereabouts unknown”.

In his first speech of the year, Simango, who is a member of the State Council selected by president Filipe Nyusi, argues that only with these new elected bodies can “party interference”, which he sees penetrating the state more and more and creating a complacent citizenry, be checked.

Simango went on to deplore the use of the word “peace” as a bargaining chip to maintain the political status quo, adding that Mozambique needs to reach a true peace by “educating for peace”, and showing that the daily spectacle of war, tensions, threats and divisions only sows doubts and breaks the trust between politicians and the people.

Source: Folha de Maputo