The Grand Coalition’s Position on the Constitution Making Process in Zambia
PRESS STATEMENT
23 April 2014, Kampingila House, Lusaka
Dear Colleagues,
We welcome you all to this briefing at which we want to state the position of the Grand Coalition over the Constitution review process against the backdrop of various events and statements seen over the last few weeks.
We note with sadness the conflicting statements made by the Executive which do not address the earnest demands of the people of Zambia to categorically release the second draft Constitution. It has become very clear now that the position of the State over the issue of the Constitution is one devoid of the seriousness required to provide a new Constitution to the Zambian people. The experiences of the past few weeks speak for themselves on this matter.
The Grand Coalition is also extremely disheartened at the increasing levels of intimidation and police harassment under the PF rule whenever people with divergent views stand up to demand for their rights or when the demand accountability from their elected leaders. The Police have continued to be used to gag citizens’ right to free assembly and expression without shame or remorse. They have continued to selectively apply the Public Order Act favoring those in power and disfavoring the opposition views. The intimidation suffered by all fellow patriotic compatriots at the hands of State institutions that should protect them in promoting transparency and good governance has not spared the church and community radio stations. We would like to offer our solidarity to these stakeholders and many more that continue to receive threats for standing out to provide solace and voice to the common man and woman that may not have the medium and space to air their voices on the Constitution. We are aware that some colleagues who participated in the organisation of the recent Prayer service in Chipata are fearing for their lives after being harassed for simply facilitating the people’s voice calling for a new constitution.
We particularly wish to throw our weight and support behind Bishop George Lungu of Chipata Diocese for his courage to reveal his interaction with the republican President HE Michael Sata on the phone. Indeed, it takes a man of courage to reveal such incidents to the public. Bishop Lungu, we salute and feel greatly humbled by your patriotism. At the same time we wish to condemn comments attributed to the President in the said telephone conversation which border on threats to the Bishop’s life. Those comments if true are patently unchristian in a supposed Christian nation and clearly go against the recent rhetoric of ‘unity and consensus building’ as we head towards our Jubilee celebrations. We are mindful that there are many more in the Church and elsewhere that continue to suffer silently through these orchestrated threats and earnestly extend our prayers of solidarity to them all.
We further condemn the harassment suffered by the youths from Action-Aid during the Youth Day celebrations for just wearing T-shirts with inscriptions demanding for the immediate release of the final draft Constitution. We also note with sadness the degenerating and continued harassment of opposition political leaders and in particular the incident involving President Hakainde Hichilema in Ndola recently. We condemn that behavior in the strongest of terms and urge the state to allow all people, regardless of their political affiliation, to exercise their rights to free expression and assembly.
We believe that Fifty years after independence, what we have seen lately takes us back to to the era of the stone age, to the days of Welensky. Surely country men and women, we need to have something to show as a country after so many years of independence. Violence is the least of those things, it is archaic. It exhibits leaders’ failure to reason and use their wisdom.
As for ourselves and other patriotic Zambians, we find ourselves rather ironically being referred to as “yappers” who should be ignored, all because we stand for justice and truth for all Zambians. There is pride in undertaking such defining ‘yapping tasks’ on behalf of a majority of a people that God has given the virtues of peace and humanity. We feel indebted to continue ‘yapping’ because our message on the Constitution is undoubtedly hitting hard and finding its mark across the stretch of the entire country through our dedicated and well networked membership. We urge the President to simply come clean and observe a fundamental cornerstone of the 10 commandments: Thou shall not lie. We urge the President to heed the people’s call: release the final Draft Constitution now.
The Grand Coalition reiterates its firm belief in the strong linkage between good governance and social, economic and political prosperity. This is one reason we are strong advocates of the expansion of the Bill of Rights in our Constitution. The current ‘functional’ Constitution of Zambia is a fountain for bad governance. With bad governance comes lack of accountability and transparency. With the lack of accountability and transparency comes corruption, recklessness, arrogance, poverty, joblessness, price hikes and a general degradation in the well-being and freedom of a people. These ills and many more are what compelled the Patriotic Front government to invest huge resources into the Constitution review process because they wanted to put more money in people’s pockets and address the high levels of poverty through correcting the glaring deficiencies of the current functional Constitution.
The Grand Coalition resolutely believes that the noble task of delivering a people-driven Constitution is now just before dawn and if His Excellency the President exercises his full commitment to the 10 commandments as he did when he took office, he will do the right thing, he will deliver the second draft Constitution now. We believe that this courageous action will help raise the popularity rating for the Patriotic Front government particularly as we begin the countdown to the 2016 tripartite elections. Based on our interactions on the ground, we have noted with concern that the perception of the current governments’ political will to deliver on their campaign promises in their manifesto is at an all-time low.
In this regard,the Grand Coalition proposes that the country celebrates the golden jubilee of our independence with renewed hope and liberty associated with a new Constitution, a Constitution that would ensure political, economic and social freedom. Our firm belief is that with a flawed ‘functional’ Constitution, there is no guarantee that Zambians will have food on the table, neither is there any guarantee that they will have jobs, safe drinking water or even medicines when they are sick. A new constitution is the best gift we can receive in this Jubilee year.
Dear Colleagues, unless we stand up and defend our rights, no one will do it for us. Remember that God did not give us the spirit of timidity but courage, as a Grand Coalition we religiously receive this gift. We must all defend our rights. History still tells us that mighty armies and dictators have been defeated by the people’s collective wisdom and energies once they get resolved to defend what belongs to them. Going forward, the Grand Coalition has lined up a number of nationwide activities to demand for a people driven Constitution which will be launched very shortly. Zambians are resolute in demanding a new constitution NOW, not tomorrow, not the day after and shall remain steadfast and focused until it is delivered to them.
Presented on behalf of the Grand Coalition by Fr. Leonard Chiti on 23 April 2014.
am afraid these call is not supported by many zambians, how come people have time to comment on it. Thats way we always say the constitution is a priority as for now. These should shame the issolated so called grand coalistion. Us we Zambians we don’t need this paper like yesterday.
You are such a moron.Every zambian wants the constitution for it has gobled billions of kwacha just to go to waste like that.It is lack of people driven constitution that power is abused at the expense of common zambian.Typical zambian mentality no wonder zambia will not develop with such mind set,if you eat with both hands you think every zambian is the same? Oh by the way check the exchange rate today again kwacha has further tumbled- next chikwanda to borrow another $10 bllion,wake up from slumber!
Are you a Zambian? Your comments are out of this world. If you don’t know, we are all resolved to get the constitution. Whatever the case, we shall get it. So, please get this into your thick skull.
The grand coalition keep it up. Here is my advice, the precondition to any discussion on the constitution should be that the Draft Constitution should FIRST be released and current roadmap exhausted, and referendum commission in place.
I feel sorry for the PF because Zambians are now well informed and can no longer be fooled. Just get an example from the attempted third term.
Zambia politically correct story?
President Sata walked into the Zanaco bank to cash a check. As he approached the cashier he said, “Iwe mukashana, couldu you cash this check for me?”
Cashier: “It would be my pleasure sir bakateba but would you please show me your ID?”
Sata: ” Ichishinka fye mukashana jasti like our policies mu PF, I did not bring my ID with me as I didn’t think there was any need for me to. I am Sata the King Cobra, shi Mulenga , the President of the Zambia !!!!”
Cashier: “Yes sir bamunshololwa, I know who you are, but with all the PF government and regulations and monitoring of the citizen by ZICTA, we the banks are also watching for impostors and forgers as per our new banks requirements in line with PF regulations etc., I must insist on seeing…
Walipena iwe wanjipaya
100% agree and support this.
Sata, you promised us this CONSTITUTION in 90 days, that is why you were voted for. Now we want it delivered AS PROMISED. Anything less is at least willful malingering, and at worst a criminal dereliction of duty and fraud.
To be continued: your ID.
Sata : Ata iwe kakashana, just ask anyone here at the bank who I am and they will tell you. Everybody knows who I am, the seating President and where your manager by the way?”
Cashier: “I am sorry your excellence Mr. Ukwa these are the bank rules and I must follow them.”
Sata : ” Kutumpa nomba iwe, bushe eko wali elyo twalelwisha ba MMD, I order you to cash this check now !”
Manager comes over and immediately apologizes and offers a solution to alleviate further problem with the now fuming President.
Manager : “Mwe Kanabesa, tata wabonse, mwebo tasalile ukwisasova amafya yesu. We can help you Mr. President but here is an example of what we can do. One day, Kalusha Bwalya came into the bank without ID. To prove he was Kalusha he pulled out his…
soccer ball from his car, juggled that ball on his head, shoulders, and thighs and eventually made a beautifull kick across the bank into the hands of one of our teller. With that shot we knew him to be Kalusha Bwalya and cashed his check.
Another time, Edgar Kazembe, a reknown and reigning Zambia Tennis Champion came in without ID. He pulled out his tennis racquet and made a fabulous serve whereas the tennis ball landed in my trash can. With that shot we cashed his check.
Ester Phiri, the boxing queen also came in without ID. She pulled out her boxing gloves and knocked out our guard with one punch. With that punch we cashed her check
So Bakateka, what can you do to prove that it is you, and only you, as the President of Zambia ?”
Sata stands there thinking, and thinking,…
, and finally says, “Muchishinka fye napalifye ba PF, I can’t think of a single thing. I don’t have a clue what to do. This is bad because I feel like Chimbwi no plan.
Manager: “Will that be large or small bills, Mr. President?
This is an undeclared war by the PF led government on the Zambian people. Why are they holding the nation to ransom on this issue?
THANK YOU MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD
ITHANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHAMING PF GOVERNMENT AND TELLING PRESIDENT MICHEAL CHILUFYA SATA THE TRUTH. MR. SATA MICHEAL AND HIS CALLED USELESS MINISTERS AND MPS HE HAS CALLED HIMSELF IS AN EXPRESSION OF HIS FAILURE.
FOR IF HE WAS A PERFORMING PRESIDENT HE SHOULD HAVE FIRED THE FINANCE MINISTER FIRST FOR FAILING THE ECONOMY THROUGH THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCE POLICIES.AGRICULTURE IS ANOTHER AREA OF TOTAL FAILURE. THE CONSITITUTION MAKING PROCESS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER WHICH HAS EXPOSED PF GOVERNMENT THAT THEY WENT INTO GOVERNMENT WITH OUT APLAN ON HOW BEST TO MANAGE THE ECONOMY. VIVA MEN OF GOD. VIVA HH. YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON TO CHANGE THIS ECONOMY FOR THE BETTER THAT HAS BEEN MISMANAGED BY PF.
unfortunately, the guys in government work at the whims of Sata who, as we all know, does not seem to understand his role in governing. This leadership vacuum leaves us at the precipice more pain at suffering. The wasted time and money drafting a constitution that mysteriously disappeared is sad; I fully agree that there is little chance of any meaningful progress when they have no reference to determine where exactly we’re stuck or what compromises can be made to ensure a more inclusive and just constitutional draft. We DO need this resolved and We DO want the constitution. If you’re too incompetent (as in gov leaders) to make it happen, resign.
*…pain and suffering… But you get what i’m saying
@ Nkalanda, I am enjoying Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid game and on top of that during the break you brought such a hilarious joke on CNP. You have made my evening. Blessed are those who your sired, sir.
MORE FIRE!
My comments are targeted at a few Zambian and well respected politicians. I have so much respect for the following individuals: General Miyanda, madam Edith Nawakwi, and Elias Chipimo Jr. I respect you because you’re not corrupted. But, can you work with other people? I was always very nervous about electing Sata to power. Can you see what is happening now. We are almost doomed. You, Miyanda, Nawakwi and Chipimo team up, come up with a team to come and dethrone Sata in 2016. Zambia has almost gone to the DOGS now. The economy, the constitution, violence, intimidation of political opponents are some of the worst ills of the PF. We need to sit down again and think of the best ways to get rid of this monster.
Thpse of u well enlightened please be defenders of the majority Zambians 50yrs of independence yet we r at the same place its an indicator we r a sleeping nation.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, i wish to add my voice on this contentious issue under debate. What we should know is that, a country without good policies can not develop. All those people opposing the enactment of a new constitution have no heart for Zambia. Take a look at a country like cuba which is not very reach in natural resources has invested in intangible resources that lead to industrialization. From the look of things all those opposing the new constitution are concerned about their belly and not ordinary poor Zambian. They should not even hide in prioritizing development which is benefiting foreigners at the expense of poor Zambians. Am disappointed with some youths who resort to insults, tribalism and partisan politics on matters of national interest.
I wish to ad my voice to this debate. Why lie ba President ,God sees and listens the devil has blind you to the truth and lies will not inherit the kingdom of God . The responsibility God gave you is big and you will account for . please open your spiritual eyes and ears and live mark on this land as the first president to give us a people driven constitution. Why are u difficult to honor your promise . I eager all Christians to be on there knees and petition OR ask God to humble this president. Remember time is coming for Christ to Judge so Mr. president the burden you carry is big. Learn to mingle with people who have wisdom so that they give right guidance. Otherwise remember you came with nothing on this earth and you will go with nothing to the grave. MAY GOD DELIVER YOU
That is the way to go, we shall only develop this country when we the people reclaim ownership of mother zambia