The Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People-Driven Constitution has called on the PF Government to facilitate the enactment of a people driven Constitution via a referendum before the 2016 General elections.
This is contained in a statement released to the media today. Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Siavonga, 13th February 2015
New People-Driven Constitution a Must Before 2016 General Elections
The Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People-Driven Constitution reiterates the need for the Patriot Front (PF) Government to immediately facilitate the adoption of a new constitution through a national referendum, and ensure the wholesome enactment of a people-driven constitution before the 2016 elections.
Following a two-day strategic retreat in Siavonga, constituent members of the Grand Coalition have resolved to use all lawful means to ensure that Zambia holds the 2016 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections under a new people driven constitution.
The Grand Coalition maintains that the Zambian people are determined to have a new constitution adopted through a National Referendum before 2016 general elections. The only setback is the lack of political will within the executive and the ruling party in general. We have therefore lined up a number of activities that we will be rolling out immediately, in all parts of the country, to continue with our demand for the new constitution to be adopted through a national referendum.
It is shocking and sad to note that the Government is back pedalling on its promise to facilitate for a people driven constitution. Clearly the Government’s proposed partial amendment and two-tier approach to the enactment of the new constitution goes against the wishes of the Zambian people as expressed in the various constitution making processes.
The Grand Coalition observed that the Constitution as the supreme law of the land was crucial to sustainable national development. Most of the current national challenges the country is facing today are as a result of the flawed national Constitution. It is totally unacceptable that today Zambia is still grappling with governance challenges and high poverty levels largely because of inadequate constitutional safeguards.
We look forward to active participation by all peace loving citizens in all the advocacy activities that have been lined up. Zambia has spent a lot of national resources on this constitution reform process and it will be irresponsible of the Government to allow the process to needlessly botch at this critical stage.
We DEMAND that President Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front party must abide by their mandate to facilitate adoption through a referendum and enactment of a people driven constitution before the 2016 general elections.
for/THE GRAND COALITION
Fr. Leonard Chiti
CHAIRPERSON
How father? Have you now found the money for the referendum? From the Vatican, yes/no?
Father Leonard Chiti and the so called Grand Coalition continue to speak without and hence undermining their relevance.
Who doesnt know that this Govt has no money? Who doesnt know that our borrowing is now past “safe margins”? And unless the Grand Coalition is prepared to foot the bill for a project to sensitise the masses and deliver a referendum, then I am afraid they should just shut up and focus on poverty alliviation talks.
In fact HE Edgar Lungu did say before the elections that “the grand coalition” were a bunch of a named Party who wanted to force the Party Agenda on the nation”. It was proven cto be the case when the already discredited Fr Bwalya was booted out for “being a PF supporter”…
Now what coalition is that, that works against a sitting Govt?…
If come 2016 we dont have a new constitution, what is the grand coalition going to do? Grand coalition better be serious and focused otherwise you risk becoming irrelevant to the nation
Totally agree with you @Dombwa. These people went to Siavonga to get hefty allowances and just make such a statement. We need action and the Coalition needs more teeth to bite. Otherwise, it will be water under the bridge. We shall tell our grand children that there was a coalition in 2015 that failed to strategically implore the government to come up with ways and means of how to enact the constitution.
Ba Fr. chiti, ba Shifwe, believe you me you sound so monotonous! The government has clearly given its position on the issue of the constitution and there you are in Siavonga, enjoying yourself on the banks of Zambezi river and spewing nonsense! What is your problem kanshi imwe bashimapepo! Instead of being busy with your calling, bringing back the lost souls especially those who are imbibing kashasu day and night and shagging goats, you are busy misleading the masses! Ba Fr. Icindikeni sana, mulesebanya ifwe fwebaba mulukuta lwa katolika! Just go back to the pulpit, ba Naza naba League will comfortably sustain all your needs!
…This Grand Coalition, I thought it ceased to exist some time ago. It has reminded me of a small child who was coming from Kitwe to Lusaka. Exactly the behavior.
The child was put on a Euro Bus by its parents. They prepared a lunch box and gave specific instructions to the child that …..hold on my boss has just called me! Will come to finish the story asap….
the bank accounts for the coalition have run dry so they have to be seen to make noise so that donors can quickly send cash…
Do not be suprised! A new constitution remains a mere campaign tool and do not expect it from a president who is in his first term. They know its backlash and would wish to pass it during their final term and make it effective after their departure not to be haunted by its trimmed presidential powers. Mwanawasa and Sata probably would have wished to pass it during their final days that never was. RB could not accept it during his first term. You may criticise me but this remains the bitter truth. For now, it will remain a song as its effectiveness does not go well with the heads of state. All the same i wish you all the best.
the grand coalition should just disband there is nothing grand about the coalition any more
The census of population and the new voters register must be prirotized. The two can prove Government determination, focus and resolve. The referendum could then take place after General Elections. There is no need to overwhelm Government with demands. What is necessary is to move together marching steadfast to the new Constitution by taking no shortcuts. The shortcut is a wrong cut.
The usual noise makers are at it again. Irrelevant empty tins sponsored by HH. It is the only back door route open for HH to enter state house through. If you cant win an election now, how can you win with a new constitution. Kolopa fye.
Grand Coalition needs a new leadership otherwise it’s relevance is no longer there. Am compelled by the arguments YALI has given in the past on the approach government has taken that it’s the only feasible route. There is nothing new we have heard from the Grand Coalition except that they were in Siavonga by the water front relaxing with donor money
Amasushi amashishya ba father Chiti
Pipeni amashinshya
We are fed up.
Find money and it will be done according to your wish
Government has given a road map
With your stand, you are forcing it to consider what all past presidents have done . Ignore and still win the election