The Grand Coalition for People- Driven Constitution says information that government has secretly drafted a constitution bill with intentions to ignore the demands by the masses on the enactment of the constitution is alarming.
Speaking at a media briefing to Grand Coalition Chairperson Fr. Leonard Chiti said the coalition is alarmed that there is a draft bill titled “the constitution of Zambia Bill, 2014 for the enactment of the of the new constitution”
Fr. Chiti said the secrecy surrounding the Bill seems to suggest that the country is moving towards the enactment of the new constitution without a referendum as there is no mention of the referendum in the said Bill.
He explained that the Coalition enacting the Constitution through a Bill is tantamount leaving the destiny of the entire nation to a few politicians who might manipulate the document as they are always serving their own interest.
Fr. Chiti who lamented the lost opportunities and resources which has gone towards the same process, said the current process should be protected all Zambians and that the public should be allowed to choose its own destiny by enacting the document through a referendum.
And Fr. Chiti has challenged the PF to show their commitment towards delivering a people driven constitution by enacting a legal frame work which will protect constitution making process from interferences.
He added that in the interest of transparency and accountability the Coalition will continue to call on Presidential candidates who have not yet signed the social contracts to do so because the contracts binds whoever gets to plot 1 to deliver a people-driven constitution in a manner outlined to avoid any uncertainties.
Fr. Chiti was flanked by NGOCC Board Chair who is also the his vice and LAZ Vice President Linda Kasonde among other coalition members.
PF will deliver the constitution which all other past regimes have failed to do: for that matter it is already written an circulated.
Some good things from the EL’s camp must be acknowledged and adopted in view of the cost and urgency of the CONSTITUTIONAL matter…..
If there’s a way to go the Chipimo Jr. route or any faster route on the CONSTITUTION, let it be supported. The Grand Coalition will be more helpful if common sense is all it requires that Zambia’s Key needs for now are two (2);
1) A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION
2) ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION.
The rest are intrinsic factors that can be over-come when these two are honestly and genuinely sorted out.And the CONSTITUTION is best and fairly adopted in this transition period, free from presidential incumbency manipulation or power temptation.
In its current form, our constitution gives to much powers to the executive (instead of power to institutions-).
Therefore ,the temptation of the incumbent once elected into office to ignore the constitution enactment or simply delay it are very very high (the case of sata).
Now is the right time to enact all provisions, except the bill of rights needing referendum that can wait for till 2016 .
This transition period is the best period for enacting the constitution in line with Chipimo Jr.’s blue print. ONLY ON THIS CONSTITUTION, LET E.L be supported.
ITS THE BEST route to avoid incumbency temptations and power monopoly.
PF has always used lies and chimbwi manners to govern Zambia. Never trust EVIL PF. HH come save Zambia from the jaws of WICKED PF.
the PF will deliver a people driven constitution. there is no government in this country that has shown so much willingness and desire to enact a new constitution than the PF. The constitution will definitely come by 2016 just be patient. for the first time after Kaunda left office have I seen a government that is loved by people because they have not sold the country to foreigners.
There is only one solution to many problems Zambia is going through & is to vote out Pathetic liars, the pf & vote in a government that will be transparent. Pf should go if Zambia is be a sanity country.
Chiti if majority of Zambians are in agreement with what is in current draft constitution, why waste money on referendum? saying going constitution bill way is letting few politicians decide on behalf majority is not true, the draft come into being through consultation and submition of all zambian. we had crc, ncc, bla bla bla. so u want the all process to be endless, so u continue enriching yourselves and get attention. alot of tax payer money has spent on this thing and I will support Good morning. A u still at zebra. So that I come over. Sorry I arrived very late and my battery died one who will speed up with less cost. next we hear from u shld be u saying what u dont like in the draft constitution. more ever u cant take the tire draft to referendum
Chiti if majority of Zambians are in agreement with what is in current draft constitution, why waste money on referendum? saying going constitution bill way is letting few politicians decide on behalf majority is not true, the draft come into being through consultation and submition of all zambian. we had crc, ncc, bla bla bla. so u want the all process to be endless, so u continue enriching yourselves and get attention. alot of tax payer money has spent on this thing and I will support one who will speed up with less cost. next we hear from u shld be u saying what u dont like in the draft constitution. more ever u cant take the tire draft to referendum