Some Non – Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have maintained their stance to boycott the National Constitution Conference (NCC) citing among other reasons their mistrust of Parliament in enacting the constitution.
The Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Conference (NGOCC)  Representative Emily Sikazwe stated that past experience has shown that Parliament  has jurisdiction to alter what people have proposed.
Speaking on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) National Watch
programme monitored by ZANIS, Ms. Sikazwe stressed that through various laws that
Members of Parliament (MPP) have enacted against the will of the people have
indicated of what the MPs are capable of doing.
She stressed that the women movement would only participate if government aggress to take on board the social economical rights as reflected in the Mun’gomba Constitution Review Commission (CRC).
Ms. Sikazwe stated by government refusing to consider the economic social aspects,
it was neglecting the core values of the poor children and women whose
organisation represents.
Transparency International Zambia (ITZ) President Reuben Lifuka stated that NGOs
were not comfortable with the composition of the NCC , which he said was dominated
by Political parties.
He also expressed surprise that government has now agreed to piece meal amendments
of the constitution which it had refused to undertake before the 2006 tripartite
elections.
But Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) Rev. David Masupa appealed to the civil
society not to pull out saying they are safe guards measures which have been put in
place to ensure that the process is conducted professionally.
Finance and National planning minister ruled out fears that government would not
take on board the social economic aspect.
He pointed out that part six of the draft constitution deals with bill of rights
which would be among components to be discussed by the NCC.
He however said it would not be right for people not to have confidence in
parliament because the house was mandated to enact laws.
Lusaka Laywer Chifumu Banda said all participates will be given chance to discuss
the whole report and the Mun’gomba Draft Constitution.
