NATIONAL Constitutional Conference (NCC) chairperson Chifumu Banda says the conference is determined to make its contribution towards ensuring that Government delivers a new Constitution before the 2011 general elections.
And Mr Banda has told NCC members who no longer believe in the process to stay away from it.
Mr Banda was speaking in his opening remarks at the eighth session of the NCC plenary.
He said the NCC secretariat received and compiled memoranda from the public, which will facilitate debate and adoption of the final report and Constitution Bill in readiness for submission to the Minister of Justice.
Mr Banda said the final stages in the constitution-making process have had to be revised to exclude certain activities such as the collection of views from all the 72 districts because of inadequate funding.
He said because of lack of funds, the current session of the NCC will be held for only four days. “This time around, we do not have the luxury of time and financial resources in the face of the 31st August, 2010 deadline, when the National Constitutional Conference will stand dissolved,” Mr Banda said.
The remaining tasks of the NCC involves the incorporation of the views and comments of the public into the final report and draft Bill in readiness for handing them over to the Minister of Justice by the end of this month.
The NCC will be dissolved and the terms of offices of members will expire on August 31, 2010, in accordance with the NCC Amendment Act number 5 of 2010.
Another task which needs to be undertaken by the NCC in this session is to determine how the provisions of the draft Constitution will be enacted.
Mr Banda said it is important to note that the input of the public is crucial for the final conclusion of the constitution-making process, and the consequent realisation of a people’s Constitution.
“It is gratifying to note that an overwhelming number of members of the public, including those stakeholders who had boycotted the NCC, submitted their comments to the secretariat on the initial report and draft Constitution,” he said.
Mr Banda urged members to ensure that no submission is neglected even if one individual submits it on an isolated subject.
He said the NCC executive and secretariat have since engaged Dr Mutumba Bull and Dr Sichalwe Kasanda to edit the final report of the NCC, while Justice Matthews Ngulube and Dr Mpazi Sinjela, who have a legal background, have been engaged to identify inconsistencies in the draft Constitution.
“It must be noted that these experts have been instructed not to alter any decision of the Conference as they undertake their work,” Mr Banda said.
And Mr Banda advised members who no longer believe in the NCC process to stay away from the proceedings.
This was after commissioners Ngenda Sipalo and Dante Saunders openly alleged that the process was going nowhere.
Mr Sipalo alleged that the process was being driven by the MMD. He accused Vice-President George Kunda and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha of being spokespersons of the NCC.
But Mr Banda stated that although the NCC only had one spokesperson, Mrs Mwangala Zaloumis, every Zambian has the right to comment on the process.
“I will allow those who believe in this process to continue, but those of us who have stopped believing in it should stay away,” Mr Banda said.
And Mr Banda said no NCC member will be paid gratuity.
Wanna bet?
“It must be noted that these experts have been instructed not to alter any decision of the Conference as they undertake their work,” Mr Banda said.
What’s the asking for poeples comments if there concerns will not be taken on board???? Window dressing I guess. Zambian’s are so big headed for nothing.
Just to declare that the Presdo is incapacitated, taking more than two months and then elections being held 90 days later.
:(( cry my beloved country!!!!:((:((:((
And Mr Banda advised members who no longer believe in the NCC process to stay away from the proceedings.
This was after commissioners Ngenda Sipalo and Dante Saunders openly alleged that the process was going nowhere.
This is a non starter, once again our so called (learned but not wise collegues) have let us down. This Constitution is beyong Prof Patrick Vunga, Justice Enerst Sakala, Mr Chifumu Banda and Mwangala Zaloumis.
president mwanawasa told us that this would be a very expensive exercise and we agreed we wanted change. ba katolika naba partner babo PF backed out of the process but why they keep making noise I dont know. they should allow rebel mps to make noise on behalf on pf. the consitution will be ready and anyone who stayed away gona be bound by it
NCC will only achieve one thing, enriching those who are participating in the deliberations. Just compare the amount of allowances received by members so far against its content with regard to pipo’s wishes. On this path, seriously come 2030 Zambia will be among the poorest countries of the world.
At first I didn’t know why some people were averse to the NCC drafted Constitution. But after going through and seeing so many anomalies one article caught my eye- ruefully this is my observation
MUNGOMBA
A President should be accountable for his personal misdeeds
NCC
A President cannot be sued even if he commits adultery with your wife
This the nonsense that hs gobbled billions of our hard earned money
Mhhhh let them publish it and will take it to its right place—- the toilet. The NCC we know its for MMD:
Now what is supposed to be a very important document cannot be refined properly because “we do not have the luxury of time and financial resources in the face of the 31st August, 2010”. This is failure at its best. How are you then going to deal with loose cannons like Mpombo. I suggest you give up the mantle. No wonder Kaunda called you Movement for Mandrax Dealers (MMD). I think you have now evolved to Movement for Malpractice Dealers (MMD), starring RB, costarring GK, featuring the Pakiti (alas PACT) also appearing Mpombo, Milupi, the PF Rebels and Chimbamilimo (who dies earlier in the movie to set the scene). We are all a big joke, we need to clean up.
you plunderers!!!
Movement for Malpractice Delivery at it’s best, sic!
On ““This time around, we do not have the luxury of time and financial resources in the face of the 31st August, 2010 deadline, when the National Constitutional Conference will stand dissolved… It must be noted that these experts [engaged to look at the final compilation of the NCC Draft Constitution] have been instructed not to alter any decision of the Conference as they undertake their work,” Mr Banda said” I would like to congratulate the NCC leaders for their time consideration as well as to make sure much of what is in the Draft Constitution is not played with so that the 2011 elections can be held under a new constitution that will have to be altered when need will arise.
Have a blessed day all.
_
Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His…
:)
Gee, does this mean that the degree clause and the residency clause will be in force during the 2011 elections?
It is over for Michael chilufya sata to stand as a p[residential candidate. Now PF must choose another leader. Sata is Over….!!!!