The National Consultative Committee (NCC) on the East African Community (EAC) has announced that it will reveal views of Rwandans on the creation of the bloc’s political federation. The poll results to be made public early next year, will be part of the democratic process underway within the whole EAC seeking citizens views on the formation of the bloc’s political federation and whether this should be fast tracked. So far polls carried out in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, indicate that citizens in these countries have a positive view with regards to the formation of the political federation. Though they may differ on technicalities to do with whether it should be fast tracked or not. Most important is the fact that EAC citizens have in an open, transparent, democratic process, been consulted on the future of the regional body.
The National Consultative Committee (NCC) on the East African Community (EAC) has announced that it will reveal views of Rwandans on the creation of the bloc’s political federation.
The poll results to be made public early next year, will be part of the democratic process underway within the whole EAC seeking citizens views on the formation of the bloc’s political federation and whether this should be fast tracked.
So far polls carried out in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, indicate that citizens in these countries have a positive view with regards to the formation of the political federation.
Though they may differ on technicalities to do with whether it should be fast tracked or not. Most important is the fact that EAC citizens have in an open, transparent, democratic process, been consulted on the future of the regional body.
They have a say in the shaping of their future, their destiny surely is in their hands. Citizens are also being consulted on their views on issues to do with; free movement of capital, persons, services, and goods in the member countries of the community.
The EAC will reform on the strong foundation of citizens’ participation, instilling a sense of ownership in them, which is important for future accountability.
The EAC leadership will engage with its citizenry on the common basis of understanding the bloc’s future vision, with policy pronouncements being made in line with the vision.
Only last week Rwanda, announced that she was streamlining all her tax laws in line with other EAC countries, this follows earlier announcements to do with the harmonization of the budget, in line with the rest of her colleagues.
Another important pillar in the building of democratic governance, in the bloc, is the already functioning East African Legislative Assembly which represents citizens’ views in the bloc’s day to day operations.
In comparison to other regional blocs, and given the set backs arising from conflicts in some parts of the region, the strides made so far towards having a fully fledged EAC political federation are commendable.
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