Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda is hopeful that the release of the new constitution will address information gaps which exist between elected leaders and electorate.
Speaking when he officiated at the official launch of the state of democratic accountability in Zambia project held at Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka today, Mr. Lubinda said there is need to refine mechanisms and platforms to help electorates reach out to their elected leaders and that the new constitution provides an opportunity for such improvements.
Mr. Lubinda also expressed delight at the project which has targeted improving accountability and increasing interactions between the electorate and their elected leaders as well as building capacity for the electorate to hold elected leaders accountable.
” There are no mechanisms or platforms to help them reach out to their elected leaders to either share information or air their grievances. It is hoped as we refine our constitution through this constitution making process, such gaps will be addressed.
“Accountability is one key elements of any democratic society. I am delighted to be informed that one of the aims of this project is to increase community interactions and dialogue between the elected and electorate and build capacities of electorate to hold us, elected leaders, accountable to our promises and actions when in power.
This is a right step in the right direction but requires serious capacity building of citizens to be able to do so. As politicians, we sometimes need to be reminded and checked on what we do and an enlightened citizenry is key,” Mr. Lubinda said.
And the law maker has advised fellow law makers and those aspiring to be either MPs or Councillors not to make outrageous promises during campaigns which they would not fulfill once elected to the respected positions.
Mr. Lubinda said the role of an MP or Councillor is to speak on behalf and facilitate development in his/her constituency or ward and not make promises which are at times unrealistic and prove problematic once one is elected.
The law maker noted that the tendency by competing candidates to promise things they cannot deliver has contributed to the disappearance of MPs from their constituencies leading to electorates feeling betrayed and disowned.
“You all know that the role of an MP or councillor is to facilitate development in his/her constituency or ward enact laws/by-laws and speak for the people. However, am aware that during campaigns, many aspiring candidates make electoral promises aimed at outwitting other contestants, promises which sometimes prove problematic to fulfill once elected.
“This has created problems in some constituencies leading to some of the elected leaders disappearing from their constituencies. When electorates come to constituency offices, they rarely find these MPs but only their assistants. This scenario has created anxieties among the electorate who sometimes feel betrayed and disowned by their elected leaders,” Mr. Lubinda said.
Mr. Lubinda also bemoaned the lack of clear cut mechanisms for holding elected leaders which leaves electorates with limited options for acting against such leaders.
“Since there are no clear cut mechanisms to hold elected leaders accountable, electorates remain with only one option, complaints against the elected leaders or indeed government for the failure to deliver on the promises. They also only wait for the right time to use their votes to vote the under-performing leaders out.
Indeed, the culture of democratic accountability among political leaders needs to be harnessed in Zambia. Political players should be reminded to make moderate and achievable promises rather than astronomical ones,” explained the parliamentarian.
Mr. Lubinda has since commended FODEP for the initiative which said would go a long way in promoting dialogue and interaction between elected leaders and electorates.
He also advised to listen to citizens when ever they demand for the fulfillment of the promises.
“This project will be a reminder to all elected leaders and government that their loyalty is to the people and not themselves hence the need to be accountable as power lies in the people.
“In this regard, when citizens demand for fulfillment of promises that we politicians make, they should not be accosted but listened to. I am aware that during election campaigns both those in government and outside make outrageous promises which electorate use to make decisions on,”
And speaking earlier FODEP Programs Chairperson Adrian Muunga emphasized the need for democratic accountability.
“Democratic Accountability requires that leaders, citizens and institutions of governance like political parties are responsive and answerable to the needs of the people, the electorates. They should also serve the role of holding government accountable in line with the interests of their constituencies and being accountable themselves to the citizens they serve.”
As long as certain clauses in the new draft constitution are not addressed, no govt will release it and make it the supreme law of our land. Certain clauses in the draft constitution are just recipe of anarchy.
ANOTHER DANIEL MUNKOMBWE PLANING TO JUMP OFF THE BOAT
very very interesting! on point and correct! …. but just wondering,,,, where is Bo lubinda find his voice???,,, if my memory serves right,,,, talking about the constitution is or was banned by your Sata and his PF vampires!!!,,,,,, this statement by Bo Lubinda just confirms that your Sata is sick and weak, people are no longer affraid!!,,, from King cobra to a simple worm..kekekekekekekekek!
@Ndobo- I agree, I thought ba shikulu ba Sata said that nobody should talk about the constitution as the current one is fine and working. First it was Guy Scott and now Lubinda, unless they are no longer afraid of our King Cobra.
Thankyou my President. Your time to lead is fast approaching, thanks for having hung in there. We shall make you one soon,
Ok to be honest am also kind of getting fed up of Sata hiding in the whole like saddam Hussein. George chela where are u? I blame all this on the Post for hijacking our country.Ok I will also join Team bring back our President campaign if Sata doesn’t show up by thurseday 17th July I will start wearing black to demand for his release who ever is holding him hostage.
Mushota,
Well done for today in showing maturity and I can only hope that you mean to stand with the majority poor Zambians.
Time to bring him out Sata is now. Where is he hiding?
Ba Lubinda, now that Sata is dead you are talking
Good morning fellow Zambians.
Today is deadline for the President to show him self to the public and address his people by 17:00 hrs. No still pictures will be accepted. Failure to do so will mean a national wide protest march will proceed as scheduled tomorrow Thursday.
In a meeting we held in Matero yesterday, it was resolved that the protest will start from different places to act as epicentres in order to make police operations a night mare.All the towns will be required to follow the Lusaka model.
The protest will held under the theme” WE WANT TO SEE THE PRESIDENT NOW”.
1. Epicentres identified are, Matero, Chelstone, Chilenje, Chawama, and Chibolya.The protest will be sparked from these area at exactly 13:00 PM. The alarm will go at 13:00pm sounded by honking motorists.
continued
2. The protest march will start from these epicentres and move towards town centre and finally converge at the freedom statue where our demands will be voiced out by the leaders. (Leaders are from all parties including the PF)
3. All people whether participating or not, shall be required to wear BLACK to symbolise a dark day for Zambian politics and carry a simple cross.
4. No vandalism will tolerated.
Fellow Zambians now is the time to demand answers from these reckless , good for nothing government officials, where is president is , and how he is. We want to know if the president is alive or dead.
Tight security measures have been put in place in case of police brutality. So do not be afraid. Come out and be part of history in the making.We did it in the 90s why…
lubinda to me is the biggest 1diot of a member of parliament. he speaks things in order to hoodwink people yet just a few weeks ago he had an opportunity in parliament to vote in a motion to have the said constitution he now praises to be the solution but he and other pf minions in parliament rejected it. so lubinda who do you think you are deceiving?
Its Sad really, to hear that one of the president’s son Kazimu Sata was involved in serious motor accident and yet no report of his father’s visit to console him and wish him quick recovery. Under normal circumstances even if the president was out of the country, he would jet back in to be by his son ‘s bedside.
Folks if Sata wont show up at this very crucial time for his son’s life, then SATA IS DEAD like I have always said.
This the problem with lies. It make it very difficult for the liars to lead a normal life.
I expect Sata and his wife to show up where ever Kazimu, is admitted. My fear is they will fly him out and deny that he was ever involved in a road accident in order to dispel the speculation on the status of the president.
WE WANT THE PRESIDENT NOW. Kazimu wants…
CONSTITUTION NOT in its current form where all powers vested in the president or executive…..
Economic, social and political emancipation is only possible where liberal democracy has ensnared absolute rulers in the threads of legal restraint through Constitutionalism with emphasis on Institutionalized separation of powers the give POWER TO THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE . Institutionalized separation of powers would ensure enhanced legal restraint with checks and balances unlike what’s obtaining now….
To me Lubinda is a political novice,who is indecisive and treacherous. He lacks charisma and foresight. In simple terms he simply a coward. His vision what politics should be like in Zambia heavily impaired. I say this because this is a man who was intimidated by Sata in collusion with the Kabimba cartel. He was so frightened to stand up for democratic principles.
If really he was a man with balls of steal, he would have defied all odds and refused to participate in parliamentary sessions that voted for draconian amendments meant to stifle dissent and destroy our hard earned democracy.
To me Lubinda is simply an over zealous opportunist who lacks strategy. How come today he is talking about the constitution,now that Sata is either dead or incapacited?This just proves what a…
Thats not me, some wannabe who loves me and wants to pretend as me.
Another reason why a black man is a frustrated man, don’t stop though sir whoever you are you.
I knew I had fans but not ones that sink to that extent of pretending to me.
Thanks
The main key is to reduce the powers of the president,and block mps from crisscrossing to the party in power.mps should be stand up for their electorates,Zambia needs clear separation of powers ,executive,judiciary and legislature,not the political civics of grade nine.its also important for opposition mps to form Caucasus regardless of their political affiliations.such a move will block all bills and put the people driven constitution as a priority.usa house Republicans wana sue Obama for using too much executive orders,that’s real democracy.i think us in diaspora should start think of standing as mps to save our country.
Not only a true statesman, but one that’s ready to be Republican President today. We will vote for and make you the next Leader of this great Country.
@Mushota: Very surprising, mushota are not the one who has been posting that presido is fine. what has changed now for you to join Wanzelu, what have you heard?
Mwautila,
I think maturity has started to sink in, its a good sign that Mushota’s ears have popped up to the public domain and cries, Constitution and where the heck is the president?
Imagine more than 26 million eyes are in search of one man. It’s a very “Big Eye” I mean globally, In search of coiner of Donchi Kubeba system.
Merzaf flats might provide some clues. Otherwise, where is FTJs, Mwanawasa Levy’s (MTSRIP) please, retirement residentials? The the one for the more than 26 million eyes in search of complete yet? Last time I checked ZWD , they said that the one we “looking for”s retirement package was already ready.
Excellent observation bo Lubinda and i just hope that your party won’t discipline you for holding and expressing such important views.
Expressing what views? The man should have been a diplomat instead of an MP.
Suntwe – No need to worry. All dull external folks hired to cause confusion in the PF have been put in there rightful places. The one that hired them as equally been told point he will have no future in the PF beyond now.
Given is the Next PF President.
Hollow utterances from the this man who can never be trusted by any political party in any sensitive position. He is better off as an independent. You simply can not be nice to everyone. ..call a spade a spade, utter cowardice will take you nowhere Lubinda.
You are entitled to your own opinion, what I do know though is in a democracy, in as much as minority views like yours are entertained Majority always wins.
Given for PF. And Republican Presidency. Tiye Nayo
Is this not the traitor who shot down the motion on the constitution in parliament? Given is indeed treacherous
He know that the is no signal at plot 1 and now he can talk
Zambians electorate vote-in individuals policies and promises are down on their lists….cowards like Given will always have chance, but nasty individuals like Kabimba and cartel use such people as cannon fodder.
We will Sata in Mangango constituency. If doesn’t show we call for the much awaited bye election. PF has been a bye election party n now it looks like after planting the seed of parliamentary bye elections, they are about to reap the bigger one
I don’t given anymore and not read what he said here
Is this a ‘stegula mulomo’ for Lubinda’s bid for the presidency?
We will see Sata in Mangango constituency. If he doesn’t show up we call for the much awaited bye election. PF has been a bye election party n now it looks like after planting the seed of parliamentary bye elections, they are about to reap the bigger one
You are very correct. I would say that out of abena Katongo Kays favourite things, swearing in Bembas and/or relatives is number 1. Number 2 is going to insult electorates and forcing dimwitted poko faram candidates to kneel down in the dust at artificially induced by-elections, number 3 used to declaring new districts whenever the mood took him with no modus operandi but that proved too expensive, number 4 is giving himself (a president who cares about poor Zambians!) hefty salary increments, number 5 used to shuffling cabinet ministers every two weeks
Lubinda was so timid when Sata was alive, now he has started talking sense.
MHSRIP Sata will be greatly missed by his family and his political appointees! !
I dont understand Given! This is the same character that shot down the motion for a new constitution a few months ago when Charlie Kays was up & running.I am begining to believe what people gossip about this “tourist attraction”
ACCOUNTABILITY is DEVELOPMENT – Full Stop!!!
New Constitution please, so we can elevate our people from the Stone Age.
lubinda you have charge the tone is due to sate house byele.
THE FACT THAT TIMID LUBINDA HAS GAINED VOICE ON THIS PROHIBITED ISSUE SPEAKS VOLUMES ON THE STATE OF OUR PRESIDENT AT STATE HOUSE.
ITS NOW HIS EXCELLENCY YOUR PICTURES PRESIDENT SATA ?
In the republic of ‘Animal Farm’ Bo Lubinda is banned to talk about democracy, last time he attempted to express similar opinion was suspended pending expulsion from the ‘Duma’ at the instigation of Kabibi who draws powers from the Legless serpent boss. Today Bo Lubinda has overstepped again by articulating political accountability in the republic of legless King Cobra. The price for such insults to the king will be regretted by Bo Lubinda, especially that he does not hail from Kola region. Bo Lubinda may be charged with treason holding such democratic views.
IN zambi pipo have lean lesson from paya farm even in kasama pipo.lubinda or anyone inthe paya farm you never be a president of zambia you were just address all liars.donchi kubeba and 90days you fools.
What are you saying? We can’t decipher your code.
Bo Lubinda trying to be on the right side of history. Better late than never. Your views are very welcome and my hope is that this sudden openness leads us a step closer to Wynter “The Cold Front” Kabimba releasing the document to the public. Maybe we need to start rocking the PF boat from within to make this happen!
Slowly creeping in? ‘Information gaps’, I believe to do with who is and isn’t barred from standing as president and all that (also highlighted by Guy who seems to always go scott-free). I saw this guy in London a few years back when PF had just come into power and I thought he was a star. I think he still is now. Labelled as a traitor but I think, if well managed, he represents a new breed and a new way of doing politics in Zambia. Get in there Given, given that you have the skill, talent and possibly charisma often misconstrude by many.
If one reads between the lines as every normal person will do, Sata is either dead or incapacitated beyond recovery. No other way. We are not f*&ls.
1. Guy Scott all of a sudden (FROM NOWHERE) starts telling us that Mulenga Sata, Given Lubinda can’t stand as presidential candidates and that Kabimba as the senior-most PF member deserves the seat
2. Mulenga Sata TELLS OFF Scott that he can stand as president too
3. Castrated (by Kabimba) Given Lubinda says he wants a PEOPLE DRIVEN CONSTITUTION despite Sata says no one should talk about the constitution
4. Pompous George Chellah is now HUMBLE
5. He (Chellah) provides OLD PHOTOS of Sata in a cabinet meeting as prove that Sata is alive
6. First lady almost gives an OBITUARY of his husband to Zimbabwean paper
7. First lady loses her…
7. First lady loses her increasing public FLAMBOYANCE
8. Sata is SNEAKED-IN the country and HIDING from his people at statehouse
9. All of a sudden, the PF has BEGUN LOSING court cases
10. Violent PF cadres (Panga Fighters) all of a sudden have STOPPED BEING VIOLENT.
11. PF arrogant loud mouths (ministers especially) are now ZIIIIII.
12. Sata FAILS TO VISIT the funeral of her daughter’s mother or even just say a word of CONDOLENCES
@18 Nox – You’ve hit the nail on the head. One thing you could have added was for Kabimba to bar state news editors from giving Mulenga Sata coverage as ‘he’s a mere Councilor’. Mulenga is Sata’s golden boy and such a ban would result in serious consequences from the former Cobra.
The big question is: WHEN THE HELL IS THIS CIRCUS GOING TO STOP?? The government is wasting our precious time, when we are supposed to be productive, we are busy looking for information! Eishhhhhhhh.
The current Constitution is not even respected by its custodians because it was not meant to be so. Institutions, procedures, offices and mechanisms for its implementation were deliberately negated.
This is the reason why today you have an ideal situation for Constitutional anarchy:
A Vice President who cannot take over as President
Acting Chief Justice
Not-sworn-in Attorney General
Public Prosecutor who has to justify whether or not he paid his loans
The Constitution as it is today is not enforceable, because the architects of this very translucent document intended it to be so.