Prof. John Gatsi Writes: Manifestos are not useless they only have limitations
In the absence of a working national development plan, manifestos developed by political parties through an objective engagement is the only document of accountability to citizens and members of the political parties.
Manifestos are not useless political marketing documents as they capture through engagement the intentions for the country. It is the way some political parties implement such intentions that must be looked at.
We have Manifesto intended to deceive the people and Manifestos developed through an objective process to enhance the governance outcomes of countries. Even with a long-term national development plan or vision, manifestos will still be relevant as they are prepared based on implementing the national agenda.
Manifestos are not to be prepared by one person as some political parties do. Manifestos make use of broad-based assemblage of the best human capital in business, civil society, academia, and other segments of society in the same way a national vision is developed.
The implementation strategy should respect the resource envelope of the country and prioritize efficiency in the operationalization of the ideas.
Political parties are public institutions and are encouraged to bring on board the best Human Resources in the development of manifestos. Political campaign teams are not the same as putting up a team to develop an objective manifesto.
Manifestos seem not to be long term and parties are tempted to bring something new all the time making political parties innovative. Manifestos are not slogans. They are documented ideas and programs to deliver growth, improvement, and accountable governance.
