DEFENCE Minister Edgar Lungu has said Government will hold a referendum to adopt a new constitution despite the huge cost if that is the aspiration of the people.
Mr Lungu said Government would go with the aspirations of the people after taking ample time to study the final draft constitution.
He said this during the launch of the African Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS) Zambia Community Chapter held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
“We will have an ample time to go through the draft constitution and when we complete the process we will go by the direction of the people, if they want a referendum we will go that direction even though it is an expensive venture to undertake,” Mr Lungu said.
He said most countries reviewing their constitutions were against the referendum as it was an expensive exercise, but if it was the aspiration of the people, Government would have no choice but to conduct it.
He said there were various articles of interest that needed to be looked at before Government enacts the final constitution.
“Going forward we have not abandoned the process we will complete it to the later, he said.
Mr Lungu also hailed the security wings for upholding the constitution and contributing to the democratic dispensation of the country.
“The defence and security institutions were among the oldest and most experienced in the region and have remained the bedrock upon which our democracy and peace is anchored. That’s why Zambia has remained a bastion of peace since independence,” Mr Lungu said.
The ACSS is the pre-eminent U.S Department of Defence Institution for strategic studies, research and outreach in Africa which offers a range of academic symposiums, workshops and programmes throughout the US, Africa and Europe.
In Zambia, the Chapter is being launched in partnership with the ACSS, Dag Hammerskjold Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (DHIPS), the US Embassy and would be based at the Copperbelt University.
US Embassy Charge de Affaires David Young said the partnership between Zambia and US security officials through the ACSS was symbolic of the two countries’ commitment to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Young said in a speech read on his behalf by Lieutenant Colonial David Wallin that the center would help advance national, regional and global security.
And Copperbelt Vice-Chancelor Naison Ngoma said security issues were sensitive and that security personnal should not allow people that do not understand security issues to be commenting on the matter anyhow.
Professor Ngoma also noted that there should be political will to have a good defence and security in the country.
You will be fired by the end of the week. No one is allowed to talk about the constitution!!
If the constitution and its adoption road map are for the good and well-being of the country, for the augmentation and growth of young and dynamic democracy and its institutions, its governance systems and rule of law, then the cost is worth it and we must not even complain.
Lets move forward with it then
@ Gen
I am pleasantly surprised with your extraordinary contribution. Nevertheless, can you please give your understanding of this three sentences:
1. “He said there were various articles of interest that needed to be looked at before Government enacts the final constitution.”
2. “Going forward we have not abandoned the process we will complete it to the later, he said.”
3. “Mr Lungu also hailed the security wings for upholding the constitution and contributing to the democratic dispensation of the country.”
Somehow, I have feel that Mr. Lungu was “extremely economical” with the true intentions of the ruling party.
Was he drunk when he said this?
@ 142
Why should be surprised? My position on the constitution has been clear
I believe in progressive thinking and will not shy away from that.
I criticize your UPND unprincipled, dreaming dinosaur, a bantustan, tribal, regional, opportunistic and selfish leader and thats what you always insult me for.
the problem with UPND cadres like you is that you overrate yourselves and with watch dog having succeeded in brainwashing soulless characters like you, you shamelessly believe it has so much sway on how people vote now and will vote in 2016.
just remember that in your current prejudiced state, you will never get to state house. better start looking for a leader that can embrace everyone than your current tribal gang leader.
@ Gen.
For the last time, I am not “cadre” of no body and I DO NOT SUPPORT NO PARTY and I am FREE to express my personal opinions.
Furthermore, I am laughing at your descriptions of various leaders of opposition parties and your extreme language to impose your apologetic views of the failures of the ruling party.
I DID NOT insult you without been insulted first(either directly or otherwise).
As a matter of fact, after reading your answer, I am wrong in thinking that you can express any opinion without be offensive and antagonistic. Therefore enjoy your little world populated with brainless demagogues like you.
A Lungu, mwakambako vanzelu lelo.
@Gen, come 2016 we hope you won’t change your name to something like; Neg, Eng, Egn, Nge or Gne as that is deemed as bloggers suicide. Be strong!
Let those that have eyes – see and ears – hear. The politicking has started. The 2016 election will be won and lost on the constitution. I think that is a noble cause to die for! The constitution is an enshrinement to our identity as Zambians who are free and strong under the baking sun of our land. As things stand at the moment regarding the constitution, here below are the opinion polls:
PF Party in Govenment 0 vs The people of Zambia 10
Verdict: PF have shot themselves in the foot. Contract terminated in 2016 non-negotiable.
Why did you mark me down? Don’t you want a new constitution? Take a leaf from Kenya! There’s was a civilised referendum regarding the constitution and the new constitution is now in place and has been for a couple of years. PF should try had to put points on the board as they have mishandled the issue and believe me it’s impossible to make a right from a wrong move. It’s damage control/limitation in motion at the moment.
try hard^
@Gen & @142: Interesting twist. Gen is uncharacteristically clear about the constitution; that it is for the common good of us all and worthy our support. The digression into unfamiliar territory is regrettable. Ought we not join hands at least on this one issue; as cardinal and crucial as it is?
Bluff bluff bluff. We need constitution nothing else.
EDGAR ARE YOUR MEN THERE HELPING TO TRACE MH 370 PLANE
maybe Edgar is pumping some sense into the old man, hiding the constitution
only helps the opposition even more.
This statement is a sigh of relief 4rm mr the defence minister.But why is Pf issuing conflicting remarks day after day.mayb iam deaf i thot Gabriel nalmulambe said its an expensive undertaking so they wont go with it.pls! jst give the pipo what they want.
This statement was purely for the Americans they are obviously worried about sanctions and all so they have to say what pleases the donors when they are in their presence.But they forget that donors like these Americans follow what is going on and by now must be aware of their inconsistency.
Govt through Edgar Lungu says constitution will be adopted through Referendum, but Govt through Wynter Kabinga will again say Referendum is not possible, too costly. My problem is: which Govt should I listen to?
Lets go for the referendum!!!! MMD is crying because they did not want to put in place the same and so shall it be if PF does not do so.
It seems politicians DO NOT LEARN!
lies lies why is the president not talking about it its his duty to tell the pipo who put him in state house what the position he is taking and not these ministers giving conflicting statements so which one is telling the trueth soon it will w kabimba next guy scott shame
Will hold you to it. And this will be the tag for the realease.
“Going forward we have not abandoned the process we will complete it to the later, he said.”
WHEN? 2017? You PF IDI0TS will be out by then!
We can only adopt it if it has :
1: A 50+1 clause to weed out laggards.
2: A recall clause to throw out underperformers.
3:A fairer constitutionally guaranteed sharing of devt funds.
4:A clause to give minority tribes better chance.
5:A truly independent EC with powers to disqualify those lacking integrity.
And no candidate shall run unless cleared of all tax arrears,levies or has fraud cases.
Tumbuka Pride, you put out 5 very good points and i admire your position,but i had an opposite view on some of the points. I could be wrong as iam most of the time and i stand to corrected.
The 50+1 clause to weed out laggards, as you put it may or may not succeed. Lets use the 2011 general elections as an example, We had over 5 presidential candidates Mr. Sata was first under 50%, second was Mr. Banda and third was Mr. Hichilema. If we had the 50+1 clause, the re-run would have been between Mr. Sata and Mr. Banda, the question is, who do you think Mr. Hichilema’s supporters would have voted for? Mr.Sata or Mr. Banda? your guess is as good as mine. There in lays the problem even before you consider the cost factor.
Point 4 am of the view that every tribe must be treated the same.
The rovolution is unstoppable. We said as the owners and funders of the constitution (Shakas was right- tendalama sha banyina) we have already seen the draft constitution and are happy with it. We dont want modifications unless agreed by us the bosses of govt. Namulambe the other day was saying sometghing opposit- it is surely confused govt.
I find it very intriguing that everyone is so quick to talk about what Edgar said without first raising the question as to what portfolio Edgar Lungu holds in the government. Yesterday, I raised the same issue on Masebo. The picture here says Edgar is the Home Affairs minister while the article states that he is the Defence minister. Now, I know what is going on here, but an outsider will wonder what the heck is going on here with one person having two different big postions in the same government. If I was editor of this blog or indeed the newspaper, I would go back to the village and start farming. This points to the fact that Zambians will put up will any trash that is thrown at them, very docile and willing to accept very LOW standards. Shame on you all.
Is he the Defence Minister or home affairs minister? This article is fake
When did you last update your info on Zed Cabinet? Please do updates frequently! He has been Defence Minister since January!
By the way, he replaced GBM who resigned in Dec 2013. Jean Kapata is new Tourism Minister taking over from Masebo who was fired recently.
Are you sure? Even Sata cannot remember who he swore in for what!
PF does not mean well on this matter, just this morning one of the deputy ministers is on record saying govt has no money to complete this exercise of delivering a new constitution. It seems there is no govt position on this matter, but just gut feeling by each minister, while the head has no feelings at all towards this constitution because it is not animal driven.
And my problem is that when they all make contradictory statements on same issue, they are all quoted as “Govt has said…” So which Govt is saying the truth???
A house divided will fall. Cant believ that Lunga is saying this just a few days after Namulambe claimed PF cant release a costly constitution at the expense of developmental project. contradictions every where has become the order of the day under PF. I think these guys should leave such matters to the Govn’t spokesperson. ABOUT the photo caption , i thought its simple logic that the picture may have been taken way back while he was serving as Home Affairs Minister. Just advise LT to be using up to date photos
Which Government spokesperson is that?
The one in State House that has failed to give even one Press Conference since 2011?
About the PHOTO, it is simple logic to you because you are privy to the fact that he was once Home Affairs Minister and that this foto is an old one. But take an interested reader in Puerto Rico, for example, who is reading this blog for the first time, what does he come out with, confused! This is what I meant when I said Zambians will put up with a lot nonsense, because you try to sort out someones mediocre performance and all is good. Kick ass every time you see something is not right or delivered below standard, don’t make excuses for LT, just kick their backsides so that they can perform. Shame!
The catchy phrase is “Ample time”.
Ba LT kwena vashupa, eish! ati “Lieutenat Colonial” – walasa !!!
How many statements are we still waiting to hear? Why can’t Government come up with only one statement? We heard the “Animal Farm Driven Constitution” from HEMCS. Namulambe also told the Nation that he has no money to finance the constitution process. How many leaders (misleaders) will keep continue to make comments on the constitution? Please, give confidence to the economy of Zambia, the people what to see leaders who inspire them.
Why we fail is that our political parties are premised on the ‘sole leader’. We should try to reflect on the formation of political parties. I have not heard of a group of Zambians coming together and elect their leader amongst themselves. All I hear is Mr so so or Mrs so so or Dr so so or Fr so so has formed a party. It is no wonder that our political parties have a short life span. Most of these political parties do not even have a dogma. I pray that one day we shall realise that together we can build our Zambia. Deception and lack of transparency will ruin what has been achieved so far. Arrogance and being reactive to minor issues will further make our beautiful country a place where investors will shy away. The dichotomy of Cost and Benefits are paramount for defence and security.
The world is dynamic and ever evolving. Ancient politics have no place as there is a shift on knowledge rather than intimidations, coercion and blackmail. Thus, it is imperative to drain out some of the powers that our leaders have. Honourable, the constitution is deeply needed the people have given you signs.
“We have not abandoned the process we will complete it to the later.” Mr. Lungu, do you mean complete [the constitution making process] to the letter? Or maybe you mean complete the process [much] later! Help!
“Complete it to the later” means complete the process after the 2016 presidential and general elections.
The scary thing about the new constitution is the 50+1 clause. The opposition can thank God for it, and the ruling party can curse the devil in protest against it; while the Zambian majority can rejoice because of it. Unfortunately for the ruling party, the new constitution is not going away.