The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) says it supports the purported government produced Constitution of Zambia Bill if it is meant to enact the country’s new constitution before 2016.
YALI‘s position follows its assessment of the remaining time between now and 2016 which it says is not enough for the country to hold a referendum and enact the constitution before the next general election.
YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza says they are in support of the idea that the enactment of constitution be done by Parliament without holding a referendum provided all the progressive clauses retained in the final draft constitution remain unchanged.
Mr. Mwanza has told Qfm News that YALI is of the view that after the constitution has been enacted; the country can still hold a referendum on the Bill of Rights which is the main reason why a referendum has been suggested to be inevitable.
He says Zambians should therefore not be comprehensive over the issue of the Bill of Rights.
The YALI Governance Advisor states that Zambia can learn from countries such as the Unites States of America whose constitution initially never had the Bill of Rights not until several amendments.
He explains that the manner in which the American constitution has been enacted is a demonstration that such national documents do evolve from time to time.
Mr. Mwanza says YALI is therefore calling upon all Members of Parliament from both the ruling party and the opposition to put their political differences aside and support the enactment of the country’s new constitution based on the final draft constitution.
He adds that YALI is of the view that it is no longer necessary for the new constitution to continue being a campaign issue each time there is an election but that the country should this time have a new supreme law before the 2016 general elections.
There you have it. As Zambians we know that the major changes we want in our constitution are; 50+1, reduction of presidention powers, presidential running mate, parentage clause…… If these are included in the purported draft and we want progress, then all meaningful Zambians should support it. PF is a listening government no wonder on the 20th Jan, Edgar Lungu should be given that mandate……
MATERO MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT HON MILES SAMPA FINALLY JOINS THE KATONDO BOYS AND BOOSTELE TEAM
PF Matero MP Hon Miles Sampa reconciles undoubtebly with PF President Hon Edgar Lungu witnessed by Acting Republican President Dr Guy Scott.
This was at the event organised by Matero MP Hon Miles Sampa at Matero Community Hall. The Matero Law Maker took the opportunity to donate various Food Hampers to the vulnerable in Community.
MUSHOTA…..MILES SAMPA IS NOW OFFICIALLY IN !!!!
2015 VOTE PF (EDGAR)
I THANK YOU….
Pakweru Mwanyane mwanenesya nadi apa. We know what is needed. Bamupe Lungu achite enact constitution ipya
YALI has been making sense on issues of the Constitution. I also wish to support their consistency and analysis. They don’t want to waste time way these other chaps are wasting time holding prayer meetings. When YALI gave a proposal last year, we thought they were joking but now I think these guys make more sense and would rather listen to them much more than these Guess Nyirenda group
#ifintuNiLungu
Yes, I agree with YALI 100%. Twanaka nelyashi limoline mwebantu. Prolonged debates on the constitution will not take us anywhere. These have already been done, the people have made submissions and have spoken and said what they want so why the issue is still there just hanging, we cannot understand. Any further delay will make us vote under the current constitution in 2016. Let the constitution be enacted immediately so that we move forward and so that candidates for 2016 elections can come up with other campaign topics. Infact, some are already campaigning for 2016 and the issue is: they will enact the constitution once elected.
We do not have any more time to waste as 2016 is just around the corner. It should not come at the 11th hour in 2016. We want it NOW AND NOW!!…