Be that as it may, we have stated on several earlier occasions that a withdrawal of the ban on indoor politics is a prerequisite to getting such serious matters as internal political party reforms and electoral reform issues moving. Against that background, we view the government's latest position on the issue as quite encouraging and we do expect that the move the law adviser has spoken about will actually turn into a chance for the reforms process to be carried meaningfully forward. Equally important is the need for the Election Commission and the parties to engage in discussions on taking the reforms and electoral process ahead. The reluctance of the parties to talk to the EC before indoor politics is restored has made it clear that unless the government moves to liberalise the atmosphere, signs of a growing impasse could begin to show. An easing of restrictions on politics will thus neutralise such an unwelcome possibility since it will then make it easier for the political parties to involve themselves in the shaping of an overall national political program for the future. A key aspect of the lifting of the ban on indoor politics will likely be a facilitating of council meetings by the parties to help them carry their reforms process through.

Of significance is the assertion by another adviser to the government that if anyone among the reformists within the parties is suspected of any wrongdoing, he or she will be held to account. Such a position on the part of the government ties up with public expectation, for it dispels the notion that individuals suddenly given to supporting reforms in their parties, assuming there are charges of wrongdoing against them, might themselves be trying to elude justice. The law must be applied equally to all, if politics is to regain the respect it once had in this country.