A Spectator's Notebook
AN AWKWARD constitutional situation is developing in Northern Rhodesia. Full elec- tion results are not yet avail- able but the Federal Party has not gained enough seats to enable it to dominate the legis- lative council. It wishes the Governor to give it a false majority, and have full power to govern, by appointing Federal Party men to two seats over which he has the right of nomination. He is unlikely to do so. If he does not, the Federal Party will have to sit in a minority to the combined forces of Colonial Office officials, Dominion, Central African and Constitution Parties and African representatives. Some mem- bers have suggested boycotting the assembly, following Toni Mboya's example, but Mr. Roberts, the Territorial leader, is unlikely to do so. The crux is Federal Party participation in the Cabinet. The Governor must reflect the composi- tion 'of the Assembly in appointing his Cabinet. The Federal Party would be in an actual minority if it accepted ministerial posts. It may refuse to do this. Would the Government be able to function without its participation, with thirteen unco- operative Federal Party members in the Assembly? If this happens the Governor will, I think, have only two courses; to accede to the demand for a majority by nomination or to pro- claim that his Constitution has failed.
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