Chirundu District Commissioner Maxwell Syamalimba has said it was absolutely necessary for people to participate in formulating the constitution because it was the highest law of the land.
Mr. Syamalimba expressed gratitude that for the first time in the history of the constitution making process in Zambia, government has deemed it necessary to undertake a truly bottom-up approach in the constitution making process.
He said this during the official opening of a three days district consultative forum held at in Chirundu yesterday.
He said the draft constitution contains most of the provisions that the people of Zambia have been yearning to have in the constitution.
Mr. Syamalimba said the district consultative forum has convened primarily to obtain the views of the people in the district on the first draft constitution.
The District Commissioner stated that for the constitution making process to maintain its legitimacy and produce a constitution that will stand the test of time, there is need for the district consultative forum to play its part.
He called upon the members at the forum to ensure that every comment that has been received is carefully considered.
He further told forum members to put aside personal interests and work for the common good of the people as they deliberate.
Mr. Syamalimba also urged the chairperson of the forum to be firm but fair and ensure that the meeting fulfils its objectives within the given time.
He has since thanked government through the Ministry of Justice for providing financial resources for convening the forum.
ZANIS
First time? How old are you my dear? We’ve been through this smoke and mirrors before!
But the Justice minister Mr. Winter Summer Kabimba does not want the general public to get involved. My Dear be careful.
whose constitution is it for ..?Zambians or pf..?
Fired! Kabimba wants people to participate ‘only under supervision from the technical committee’.
Free participation was banned by the boss
Absolutely, all people need to participate in the making of Zambia’s constitution!
PF promised a “people driven” constitution yet now Mr. Kabimba says that participation must be limited. Unlike many promises that were totally unrealistic (more money, 90-days, etc etc) this one about participation is fully in the current government’s power to see through so is perhaps the most shameful example yet of PF backtracking on its campaign promises.
Mikailo