I REFER to the glowing reports about the achievements of the National Transformation Programme (NTP). Although these achievements are indeed substantial, the evaluation results of a near-perfect score would have carried a bigger impact on public opinion if it had come from an independent body outside the Government and the ruling party.
Election time in vibrant democracies is often described as the silly season. It’s the time when opposition parties make big promises on what they would do for the people if they win the election. The incumbent political party in power, on its part, would claim that all good things that happened during its tenure are due to the wisdom and competence of its leadership in bringing growth, prosperity and happiness to the people.