Justice Minister Sebastian Zulu has disclosed that he has started the process of drafting a new bill that will seek to govern the constitution making process.
“I have already asked our drafts persons in the Ministry to start working on a draft bill that I will present to Parliament, that’s how serious we are,” Mr. Zulu said.
He said government had listened to the concerns from stakeholders over the lack of a legal framework to govern the ongoing constitution making process.
Mr. Zulu was speaking last night on a special National Watch programme on ZNBC TV.
On the referendum, Mr. Zulu said government will appoint a referendum commission soon but will only start its work in 2013.
He said it was logistically difficult to put in place a referendum commission because the work of the commission was not budgeted for in the 2012 national budget.
Mr. Zulu emphasized that holding a referendum on the constitution is a must especially that the draft constitution has proposed broad changes to the Bill of Rights.
“A referendum is a must and it is definitely coming as far as I’m concerned. You cannot temper with Part Three (Bill of Rights) minus having a referendum, so it’s coming.”
The Justice Minister also moved to assure the public that the PF government will not publish a government white paper in order not to interfere with the wishes of the people.
“We want to stay away from this process as far away as possible. We don’t want to influence the end product and so there will be no white paper or government’s position paper if you like,” Mr. Zulu said.
Asked on the sentiments from some senior government and party officials opposing the 50+1 and the running mate clauses, Mr. Zulu said the said officials are entitled to their opinions.
“Those are merely their opinions and will not influence the process. They are Zambians and just like every other Zambia, they are entitled to have a say on the draft constitution but that it not to say that they will have the final say.
Hon. Minister, well spoken and we all hope that there will be no contradictions from within your hiearchy on this one. This position is sound and is likely to restore people’s confidence, which, unfortunately is slowly eroding!!!
Masipa sipa feela ndate. na ki Barotseland feela. Mambumbwe a lyambai. Kozo manyai.
Ee Mona, ke wena o bowa matsipa.
#1 What did the minister say?
A constitution that will stand the test of time, devolution of power etc if enacted and implemented, inter-alia, will be some of Sata’s legacies for which he will be revered
Mr. Zulu you are too old for this – you should be enjoying the company of your great-gran children
Take heed of the message relayed (literally) at London 2012 – pass the tourch onto the younger generations – you have done your bit.
Cindy i hate speakinh ill of the dead but the younger George Kunda also failed us. A good constitution will be the final turning point to properity now that the Zambia is slowly but steadly beging to bennefit from the liberalised econonmy.
Hon. Sebastian Zulu SC, continue with this process. Ensure it reaches its logical outcome and that will be the legacy for the PF.
No government white paper is sweet to my ears, no interference by the party in power and resulting in a constitution for the people of Zambia by the people of Zambia. Even in a referendum, there will be some petty politicians causing confusion, but the Zambians will give themselves a constitution that will satnd the test of time, this time arround! That will be a good one for the PF. VIVA NEW UN ADULTERATED CONSTITUTION!
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Why did we waste so much time and money when the NCC recommended a referendum on the contentious issues such as 50+1 and bill of rights? In the end we are doing exactly the same and come 2013 there will still be a constitution in place! K95 billion later we shall be exactly where the NCC were and no further. The PF condemned the NCC process and yet in the end there will be no difference between what the NCC came up with with what we shall end up with. What a joking country.
Clowns and jokers will never end in Zambia. We are in a circus and jokers are doing their thing as usual and we are watching and maybe clapping too. I rest my case!
Zambians have pushed every govt to draft a new republican constitution in place and PF govt need not add anything to it but provide its publication to Zambians and for parliament to ratify it.
This has nothing to do with PF legacy. Zambians know what legacy PF will/have left behind. Trabalist dictatorship government.
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