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NCC to finish work by December 2009

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Vice President George Kunda during an interview at his ministry of Justice office
Vice President George Kunda during an interview at his ministry of Justice office

VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has assured that the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) will complete its work by December next year so that the country can have a new Constitution before the 2011 elections.

Mr Kunda said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the Constitution-making process was a realistic programme which should not be rushed, but expressed optimism that Zambia would hold the 2011 elections under a new Constitution.

“We don’t want to compromise the process by suggesting unrealistic time options. We have to complete the work before 2011, but let us not suggest unrealistic time frames,” he said.

The vice-president, who is also Justice minister, advised Zambians to seriously reflect on the experiences the country had faced in previous years, especially in trying moments, which eventually led to the just-ended presidential election in October.

“We need to think and reflect on the experiences we have faced as we reconsider the Constitution. We are now much wiser and let’s look at the Constitution in such a manner,” he said.

On calls for the NCC to consider adopting the recommendations of the Mung’omba report that a presidential candidate should have a running mate, Mr Kunda said the reaction by the Government was that the Republican president should appoint the vice-president.
He said that there was room for reflection on suggestions made by other people.

He said Zambia should also take stock of what was happening in other countries so that the country could come up with a better Constitution.

Mr Kunda said the last presidential election was costly and Zambians should also consider various aspects, which would go with the re-run when giving suggestions like the 50 per cent plus one for a winning presidential candidate.

“People must be able to reflect on all these issues. The bottom line is that we should do only what is best for this country.

“As we decide as Government on what position we take, we want the people to decide for themselves. As the Government, we shall provide leadership,” he said.

On his vision, Mr Kunda said the office of vice-president held various critical units, which were meant to improve service delivery and reduce poverty.

Mr Kunda said it was his desire to concentrate more on mitigating disasters and, to that effect, he intended to strengthen disaster management.

He said his predecessor, President Rupiah Banda, had left some framework on which he hoped to improve disaster management.

He said funds permitting, he would focus on the fight against poverty by putting up infrastructure such as schools and hospitals

[Times of Zambia]

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

156 COMMENTS

  2. I believe and pray the constitution will be in favour of the Zambian citizens unlike what we have been having in the past, constitutions which are in favour of the politicians.

  7. Hi LT I have been out of the blog for along time now…how is everyone…Well lets deal with the NCC and come up with a good constitution.

  8. we are worried as civil servant because hikaumba wont support us because of the k30m he is get from ncc.thats why he is quiet and not behaving as union leader.bravo ftuz.

  9. I wonder what RB (Rural Bustard) is thinking by appointing old people to cabinet. Maybe he identifies himself with them coz seriously speaking, these guys belong to a retirement home.

  10. Did we ever have a constitution? Our laws are draconian,vindictive,primitive, outdated and out of this world! There is no way red-lip can turn this acake document in one year! This time around, all stakeholders must be onboard

  11. If 50+1 is not there you better stop it now and reduce the powers of a presido such as appointing the Judiciary because they will always be dancing to the presido’s tune.

  12. ‘VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has assured that the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) will complete its work by December next year so that the country can have a new Constitution before the 2011 elections.’

    Good, but president HH promised June 2008 and affirmed his commitment to this fact by signing the sociaql contract forms. So can we see similar seriousness on the part of you Mr Veep and Minister together with President RB Banda on this issue. Plaese, make sure you include minimum qualification for Zambian President at Grade 12 or equivalent.

  13. Sony Ericcson. Do you ever have meaningfull contributions apart from practicing how to count? People like you really surprise me, the company pays you for blogging the whole day and all you can come up with is 1? Please!!!

  15. The VP has spoken, bravo..On a serious note, we can have the best onstitution in the world but what makes the difference is the implementation. Its true we need a good constitution and the 50 + one clause is what most zambians want to see in the new constitution.

  17. # 14 Pumnpy – I was taking a FIFA Coaching Course and also out in Mumbwa handling project work. Back in the office now and it feels good. Tuli ba qualified coach nomba albeit specialised in Futsal and not football.

  18. The 50 + 1 is good but what happens when none of the Presidential candidates reach that number, that would mean runoffs and that is costly. why not just adopt the US Electoral system where each province would have a specific number of votes based upon the population, i believe this would also take care of the rural people being taken advantage of.Lusaka and Copperbelt would be the swing provinces based upon the population they carry. I think this would bring seriousness to our Zambian politics.

  19. #13 ba zambia mwasokoneza my brother/sister I know how to count. What company pays me for blogging..?

    As for meaningful contibutions OK these guys are still talking about the NCC (National Christmas Cake) as they have been for years, I will believe when I see, I think they are just planning to sit and chew allowances for as long as possible, maybe up to 2025

  21. Well done George! the whole chi thing was taking forever & gobbling a lot of resources.
    Now go farming so that you dont lie to usthat there is a bumper harvest when infact not

  32. #29 Do not worry about shushushu. Ask Katele! By the way instead of doing a Katele, just go and nick mobile internet from that old man next door. But make sure you are not in one position for over 30 minutes. Keep moving around.

  35. The new constitution should include the 50+1 clause, we are tierd of being ruled by the minority. Iam afriad the way George is talking “expensive re-run when giving suggestions like the 50 per cent plus one for a winning presidential candidate”. Democracy is expensive and that’s what we chose, so the idea of cost should not derail us cos MMD knows they cant’ get 50 + 1. Remember after LPM died some mmd caders suggested to choose a president without going to the polls cos, its costly, thanks to the UPND and PF for opposing that otherwise they would have done it. Be on the look out!!!

  36. Hey please finish this constitution as soon as possible we want to see it so that we can start preparing ourselves for presidence.Oh! I almost forgot to thank God for taking Ba Chewe to sleep,Iam sure this time he is dreaming of someone I know Haaaaaaaaaa!wait a second!december 2009 kwalepa guys bring it to june next year.I know you are enjoying the sitting allowances but you should also think of us.

  37. Good morning bloggers, noce to join you. Let me read the stories first before I comment. Today I want to be serious for a change…

  42. I know they say trust the process. We shall wait. But if the end won’t justify the means, I am not sure whether we will forgive ourselves for not having had shouted wolf.

  43. Why dont we catch up with trends in Zambia – take a leaf from the USA- the transition of handing over power, unlike here where people are sneaked to the Chief justice’s office and assume everything overnight?
    A good system will always have less or few flaws and shall be characterised by consistence. I MEAN , WE DON’T NEED TO BE STARTERS EVERY TIME A PRESIDENT IS “ELECTED”.

  44. #33 Knew you were joking. So was I. Wouldn`t encourage ukwibila utukote would I? But ngaka pwalala! Kukacita Zed. One of them went to hospital with £250,000 mu bag. I thought God! I wish I worked in the hospital! lol!

  46. To my fellow Catholics and the opposition who refused to participate on the NCC, are we going to complain if the new constitution is not in our favour ? Whose fault is it ?

  47. #45 thats why our constitution need to be writen by sober minds and not greedy ones. it can be so porous at times.

    and # 46- Tona pick from your bro PONYAKS, think as a Zambian and not as a catholic.

  48. 46 Tona
    You are areal man, you ask the right, relevant and reasonable questions. The catholics are busy fighting government in illicit ways instead of joining the NCC to ensure that the constitution that we be enacted will carry their views….Shame ba katolika

  49. I hope there is still enough room to accomodate those who opposed the NCC.From the the way the veep is saying,we have along way to go.

  50. Its good the VP wants to fight against disasters, my advise to him is that he should prevail over the Finance minister and whoever else is delaying the payment to former government workers who were awarded their claim by the Supreme Court years ago. The situation is quite an embarrassing legal and governance disaster. Please the learned counsel do us justice, or expect more naked women outside your office.

  51. #50 Sorry ba Former Civil Servant. It won`t work. It is tough but only true. Do these people mind naked women any more? No! It hurts though. If it was gratuity you would got it by now! lol!

  52. 51 Former Civil servant

    You will just be arrested for indecent exposure. I am sure you wouldnot like your wife naked exhibiting her nakedness in public

  53. #18, New Zambia, a constitution has to stand test of time. You are still in the Sata trance that is why you are talking about Lusaka and Copperbelt. In 30 years time the biggest towns may be Lumwana and Gwembe, the Uranium mine. Will you then change the constitution to accomodate your new hero’s strongholds whoever he/she will be?

    The American constitution allows one to win without popular majority. Is that what you want. Please grow up. Be serious and don’t bring Sata’s loss in something as important as a constitution. It requires people who can think out of the box, in which you seem to be.

  54. The one year prior to general elections is not sufficient time for adjustments in adapting to the new constitution before inplementation. As Electorate we need more time to understand and adapt fully before accepting it for implementation. I doubt it will be ready for implementation in 2011… If at all it is, alot of cracks may be spotted.

  57. Don’t worry fellow Citizens for the SDA Church is on-board NCC, I think through its Union President, and president Hakainde Hichilema with his representing party the formidable opposition UPND is there to make sure all is well in the new Constitution.

    The MMD also will give good points on it.

  58. There are 3 problems with the 50%+1 vote provision for a country like Zambia at the moment.
    1. It is costly
    2. It creates a lot of instability. Imagine going for another campaign immediately after the October 30 elections. Zambia was badly polarised with a lot of tension and fighting would have started with beating of innocent people who might be suspected of unproven malpractices. I am not sure that we are mature enough for 50%+1. The Zimbabwe tortures of opposition voter comes to mind
    3. Many are basing the 50%+1 on Sata and PF. The fact is in the rerun MMD would have received even more votes as Southern Province would have voted for Rupia. Ask any Tonga person.

  60. From the way this man is talking,it is easy to tell that he is against 50+1 clause in the constitution. He is talking about the cost involved. But Kunda you want your Salaries increased.when you say the process should not be rushed,you should also ensure that you give us a gud constitution.Not the document which wil only favour you and your friends. All you want is money,these characters wil continue fattening their pockets with our money.Until next year December, these characters have even calculated already how much each 1 of them wil have by december. The longer the processes the better for them. Then when you come to these new salaries and allowances awe mwandi. Give us 50+1,we dont want RB to have another fake win. With 2 votes difference in 2011. Selfish leaders!

  61. H56, Fernando, will you make contributions that give fellow bloggers useful information.

    It appears you can’t resist bringing out your deformed persorna on this blog.

  66. For your information Kunda is not in charge of NCC. The following are running it.

    1.Chairman is Chifumu Banda MP FDD
    2. Vice Chair (1) – Regina Musokotwane UPND 23. 3. Vice Chair (2) – Faustina Sinyangwe PF
    4. Vice Chair (3) – Leonard Hikaumba ZCTU

    I personally think it is pretty balanced.

  67. Your Honour Mr Vice President Sir. I beg to disagree. Its not upto Government to come up with a position on the constitution. A constitution must be people driven if it has to stand a taste of time. Why are you against the idea of the president having a running mate? If we are to avoid a Presidential by election in future, then let the president have a running mate. Why are you scared of a 50%+1 electro system? even Mugabe is using it. I`m sensing a dictator in our learned council vice President. He is now singing RB`s songs. He is now a cadre. He has tasted the sweetness of the power of the veeps office and doesn`t want to loose it.

  68. Just do as you promise particularly on infrustructure development because despite peace our country’s position on the latest human development index is very worrying.

  69. #43 you speak true but it depends which person you are supporting. For example if Sata had won (I think you are a PF supporter from your tone) would you have wanted RB to continue until January without change of Government.

    The reason the Americans are able to wait is because they have maturity. When I read these posts I am appalled how imature we still are.
    By the way Mr Banda was not sneaked to the Chief Justice. Inauguration was at 14.00 at Parliament grounds. But you have a point about transtion period if you could only be more mature

  74. Ladies and Gentlemen, it looks like we will never have a Constitution of our own making. How could they give it another year to finish, they are trying to doctor the damn thing so that RB stands in 2011 and wins with a simple majority. What really is the delay because recommendations are already there?

    Does anyone on this forum know what happened to Mwiinga, he was quite an Oasis of info when LT was born?????

  76. #53 mwingila wanseshi,you are very personal n confrontational.Number 18 presented his points in a very reasonable and civil manner.Why rush to tagging her/he as PF.Lumwana or Gwembe as you suggest aint coming close to the copperbelt.The life of Lumwana mine is 37 yrs,besides constitutions are dynamic.The US votes in the president by majority vote,so don’t give us your crap!!Tell us with tangible facts why you think the US system can’t work in Zed apart from the Lumwana,Gwembe nonsense.The MMD and VJ are busy manipulating the rural vote coz thats a naive population.To me you come out as a shushushu or some fanatical supporter of RB looking for a job.Stop playing pookooboo with serious blggers

  77. I THINK KUNDA IS JUST TALKING HE HAS NEVER EVEN MET THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN DOING A NEW CONSTITUTION. HE IS JUST HAPPY OF HIS POST GIVEN TO HIM

  78. Ok Because of Sony Ericsson Phiri and Baby C I had to come and say something today… I am around just taking it slow as my Vacation is too good and nice…will be keeping you posted as usual, just that parts I visited where very remote…out of Zambia though…

  79. leonard is becoming compromised,hope next general meeting he does not go thru,we now have joice node as the voice for the hungry civil servants.too much allowances in NCC fo vice chair leonard that he can justify salary and allowance ups fo politicians.he shud know that politicians and civil servants are too different grps of pipo.majority of c.servants do not have personal to holder cars,free fuel,free tel calls,free housing,”huge car loans” if they loans anyway,and all those prevaleges that go with politicians,and he is there justifying increments,shame!!!!country is in financial crisis iwe leonard with rising food prices,kwacha deppreciation,rising infl etc

  83. May be I could even vote for PF. The only condition for this to happen PF democratise and hold internal elections and Sata should not be the party President.

  85. #83 with the unimaginative name do you really honestly think that if PF held internal elections Sata would lose tha party presidency? I need to know where you get that stuff man I want to smoke some of it as well

  89. Imwe A Phirie

    I assuming that NCC recommendations will take effect by 2011. O.K I could be wrong but Sata should enrol earlier and make sure that he passes the grade 7 , grade 9 and grade 12 exams.

  90. Missed you Sony Erick too. I can see you are giving them a tough time…they cannot contain you my brother…a force to reckon with indeed….

  91. #70, Maturity is a fruit of time, nature and nurture.
    It is the ability to examine an issue from all perspectives in an objectve, disciplned and impassioned manner understanding and construing all its ramifications.

    This comes from experience and the ability to comprehend the meaning of our experiences. If you don’t recognise my name, you probably need more experience. But I could be wrong. From your question, I quess I am probably wrong.

  95. Nice topic ba LT….really essential,mature,citizen’s stuff…. not those childish topics u bring sometimes.tukaamba ukumi blaster pofye naimwe baLT ngamuleangala!

  101. Sony Ericsson Phiri is a right back atya kinda guy…sooo that Dog father has just deeped his hands in a wrong pocket….lol!!!!

  102. Sarah where are you plz.sarah i like you! Abena spectator well come back.Mwali kwi? Were you crying because Sata lost? I wil never jump out of the boat. Nipabwato for ever!!! At least even if some people say he is undereducated.He has a heart for the poor.These Salaries wouldnt have been hiked.He wouldnt have legalised stealing at the NCC,wher people are stealing money in the name of participating in the constitution making processe.

  103. Thank you #76. You don’t seem to know the American system. Most people don’t. In 2000 Al Gore won the popular vote but George W Bush won the Electoral College votes after the Florida recount. I suggest you look up the American Electoral system. I won you, too little knowledge is dangerous. You may be a danger to yourself.

    There is nothing wrong with being PF. It is actually a good thing. But it is important to be objective. I may be Shushushu.But what is important is the validity of my argument. My point is that you can’t base the constitution on Sata’s loss, painful as it may be.

    As to looking for a job, I think you are being unkind. I already have a job as a Shushushu.

  105. Chewe wapola mune…I was away coz I am on leave so i visited some remote place of some country…as for the Boat, ni forever…sata for life…new developments you are already in LIKE?!

  106. WHAT A COUNTRY, ELECTIONS LEAKAGES, EXAMINATIONS LEAKAGES. PUPILS ARE FOLLOWING RB’S VICTORY WHICH IS DUE TO “BALLOT LEAKAGES”. WHAT A COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN.

  108. #98 Anonymous, splendid knowledge of history and sense of humour. Could we have your considered views on the 50%+1 provision. My views are at #58

    As to Ian, probably in a fight with Tongogara in another dimension of space and time.

  111. all you chaps who are promoting the 50 + 1 are not patriotic and do not care how much money is spent on such useless exercises like elections. i personally think that a minority president is much better as he/she is forced to work very hard to prove to those who did not favour him/her that he is better than they thought. this is what i saw from the late LPM. compare with the majority predo Chiluba and make your own judgement.

  115. I have now come to believe that stealing in Zambia is legal, as long as it is them dity politicians benefiting. Indeed, political gimics lower fertilizer, fuel reduction my foot.
    wolves in sheeps skins. god said vengence is mine and he is watching. Devils machineries of destruction

  116. #113 gOLYATI I rightly guess u are an MMD cadre.One of your bululus have been appointed ministers hence your childish excrement…i mean excitement!

  119. LPM ECONOMIC POLICIES WERE AT AUTO PILOT WITH COPPER PRICES AND THA STRENGTHENED THE KWACHA AND NOT MUCH IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA, BUT FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS. NOW WITH DECLINING OF THE PRICES OF COPPER YOU WILL SEE THE POVERTY UNDER MMD AND LUPIYA .I FEAR FOR MY POOR RELATIVES, BAKU LALA INSALA PAZAMBIA ALREADY THEY CANT MEET THE SCHOOL FEES AND BILLS UBUNGA DUE TO HIGH PRICES IT IS SCARELY. SO DONT BE OPTIMISTIC UNLESS YOU ARE A IS WHO OF MMD!

  123. Baby c,Spectator,and Matworld how you guyz doin???

    Hey spectator have met Dog father?

    Dog father howzit man,your comments are makin sense now BIG UP!

  130. ALl 50 + 1 will not be enough to ensure bipartisan cooperation, how about 60 votes? This will ensure that the ruling party will have to carry a true majority to get things done. That is they will have to rule more from the center. While you are at it the power of the Presidency need to be curtail, too much power in the hands of one man I never a good thing especially when they are not too smart.

  131. Bakamba ba Master minder,I feel sorry for you but there’s nothing you can do ni pa Zed.One thing Iam proud of is Zedians are hardworking guys in everything.God bless Zambians all over the world,everyone say Amen.

  132. Chewe boyi walatupwisha icimwela don’t ask those questions,we don’t want to collapse when we discover that Baby C is a He not she.so lets just leave things as they are.pantu tulibengi kaaa!

  135. Kunda u want this NCC to become an occupation for lofers and u will continue misusing our money that.NCC is genuine but the frame is too long gentelekoswe.

  146. your honour the vice president thanks for that promise but for a change work on street roads and learn to tour the street roads come to avondale and see the the roads do not put money aside for disasters only_let us be seen to work.good lucky

  150. It seems the majority want to go for the 50+1, then let it be included in the constitution. if at all we discover that this is being manipulated in the rural areas then we may have to consider the US electoral system. Secondly on the issue of the Government providing leadership and having a final say as indicated in the speech above Zambians should not accept that, the constitution is the people’s voice and not the Government voice. Let’s not allow politicians to manipulate our rights. Thirdly somebody such as research students,volunteers etc need to compile all the intelligent blogs into some recommendation papers on the many issues that have been raised so far on this site if there

  151. #144 The spectator Mwatukana zo-ona I didnt know that men with high calibre like you can say such things.So ninshi tulimbwa anyawy iam speechless. you have won.

  152. contd
    are no archives on this site. Can someone or many people start up some Zambian Chats so that we can start new threads and debate a lot of issues that matter to Zambia.Fourth point can we also start thinking of practical solutions and start implementing them, if we wait for the Government they will never be done, we are the ones the issues affect so we need to start from somewhere. Can the Election day be also stipulated in the constitution like the US Election day is standard they don’t have to wait for announcements . lastly can the number of MP’s be also looked at critically in our constitution, there are a lot of inefective MP’S out there who are just wasting taxpayers money.

  153. contd
    Why not just have 9/18 MP’s one or two for each province just like the US has senators other than having 135 MP’s or more who don’t add any value to the country’s development but are just a liability, other offices also need to be evaluated. On the issue of Catholics and the opposition not being part of the NCC let those allowances be scrapped or let the Catholic and opposition do it voluntarily. Can somebody start up an electronic count down to the 2011 elections, this will make people realize that there is no time left.Roughly we have 1075 days before the 2011 elections. God bless Zambia

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