The Small Briefcase that Holds the Whole Country – the Instruments of Power

THE SMALL BRIEFCASE THAT HOLDS THE WHOLE COUNTRY – THE INSTRUMENTS OF POWER.

Article by: Chadrin Nseemani.

A lot of people have been asking me, what is inside that small briefcase the President hands over during swearing-in at Heroes Stadium? Let me explain it in a simple way.

That briefcase does not have money inside. It does not have a gun or a secret button. What is inside are the symbols that show who is now the father of the nation.

By Zambian law, there are only three things. First, the Constitution of Zambia. This is the big book of laws. It reminds the new President that Zambia is ruled by law, not by a person. Second, the Zambian National Flag. This is our flag with green, red, black and orange. It stands for our land, our people and our freedom. Third, the Presidential Standard. This is the special flag that is only raised when the President is around.

So when the old President gives that briefcase to the new President, he is simply saying, I have finished my work, now the country is in your hands. The power is not in the briefcase itself. The power is in what those things stand for.

Article by Chadrin Nseemani