Friday, March 29, 2024

YALI Speaks out on Amendments to Constitution Bill No. 17 to be tabled tomorrow

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Opposition Members of parliament listens during the presentation of 2015 budget
Opposition Members of parliament

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is cognizant that that the Ministry of Justice and Hon Member of Parliament for Kasempa are moving parliament to the amendments to Constitution of Zambia Bill No. 17 of 2015 which will include removal of key provisions of the Bill such as discarding Provincial Assemblies, the mixed Member proportional system, appointment of Cabinet outside Parliament and appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries. We also note that Government has the intention of introducing an amendment that will allow the President to fire the Vice President elected as his running mate based on a number of reasons such as incompetency and insubordination.

YALI has continued on the path of its engagement with Government leaders at various levels of decision making to ensure that Members of Parliament respect the wishes of the Zambian people as contained in the Constitution Bill which was tabled by Government. Having listened to government officials on some of the reasons why they will be proposing these amendments which include costs, we recommend the following:

1. Government must not proceed to introduce the clause that will enable the President to fire the elected Vice President based on the reasons given. We are confident that Government will listen to our concerns on this matter and that tomorrow they will do the right thing retaining the Running Mate as articulated in the final draft Constitution;

2. Instead of Government discarding the mixed member proportional representation system and provincial assemblies based on the argument of costs, these clauses must be retained with a proviso for deferment in its implementation. This is a normal practice in most commonwealth and foreign countries where Parliament can give a later effective date of implementation of certain laws or clauses. Government must never use the cost argument and the current economic challenges Zambia is facing as a scapegoat as these challenges are not here to stay. We must be seen to be making a Constitution that will address the needs of the people over a longer term rather than use short-term setbacks to stifle development of the law and furtherance of good governance.

3. In the last few days, we have interacted with parliamentarians from the ruling and opposition parties who we are aware are in a dice situation debating the clause on appointment of Cabinet outside Parliament because they have personal persuasions and ambitions for their own political progression. We, in this regard, appeal to their conscience and their persona to put the interests of the Zambian people first and recognize that these provisions were designed to live way beyond them. Let them listen to the voices of the people which recommended the need to have Cabinet appointed outside Parliament.

We finally appeal to the Minister of Justice that even though he was not in agreement with the final recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee, just as we were not agreeable, Government must have taken time to listen to the various recommendations submitted by stakeholders on different clauses. YALI passionately appeals to MPs in the House to look at the report by the Parliamentary Committee when debating the amendments that will be tabled tomorrow.

SIGNED

Andrew Ntewewe
PRESIDENT
YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE

12 COMMENTS

  1. Here we go again; the constitution making process is being raped broad daylight. Those against the referendum should be ashamed because now they can see that there’s no trust you can have on politicians at all. Zambians and Africans in general, let’s rise above pettiness and protect our land from abuse by putting in place legally protected clauses in our constitution so that we can have a self regulating system that is not dependent upon individuals in power.

  2. Here we go again; our constitution making process is being raped broad day light again. Where are those against the referendum? Shame on you! Look at these crooks abusing power in our faces. Zambians, and Africans in general, let’s rise above mediocrity and put in place systems that don’t depend on individuals in power. That way we will have protected some of our interests. How much money has been spent on this to end up here?

    • Here we go again; our constitution making process is being raped broad day light again. Where are those against the referendum? Shame on you! Look at these crooks abusing power in our faces. Zambians, and Africans in general, let’s rise above mediocrity and put in place systems that don’t depend on individuals in power. That way we will have protected some of our interests. How much money has been spent on this to end up here?

  3. Aren’t you the same burger and buffoon who was supporting this stu.pid thing of using parliament to amend the law.You argued in favor of this with HH who was referendum knowing how corrupt our parliament is on SABC some 5 months ago.I hope you now accept that HH is a visionary and he foresaw this.You fo.ols in the NGO world are corrupt and are eating with selfish PF Govt.No principles at all and very si.ly

    • Madam seems you forgot to wipe your behind after using the toilet. Otherwise the stench coming from you is quite unbearable. May you please do the needful and clean yourself. Thanks

  4. this is useless we told you yali and isaac to listen you went on to do your stu-pidity …..see now why ar u complaining …..chopeti

  5. Its a real shame our people don’t see the relevancy of a people driven constitution…I do not know if its the docility within us or just illiteracy among us Zambians given that majority are youth…in Kenya our brothers and sisters are more organised and proactive when it comes to such issues.

  6. MPs please listen to YALI. No need to change the peoples’ document @ this stage. Let us be sensible & patriotic with the task that is before us. Finger pointing will not help any situation. Let us just advise each other to focus on the interests of the country not politicking or trying to score points. This is our constitution & this is our country. If we all reason together & pass this constitution we will have achieved something that has eluded us for 1/2 a century. Think before you veer away from the good path that has been travelled so far. Zambia is on standby to blame you if you do anything funny. God Bless Zambia.

  7. I am waiting to hear what Nevers Mumba will say. He was busy showering praises and said that is the way to go. Most assuredly, this constitution with new clauses will pass through and there is nothing you people can do about it. You can continue talking until your mouths bend cos Thats the PF for you. The cost elements they are talking about is a non issue. This constitution is not meant for current generation but even the next generations to come. Doing the right thing now will ease the lives of our children. I think, sorry to say this, Zambia people are stupid because they just make nose with less action.

  8. YALI makes a lot of sense in their quest to see govt deliver. What is impressive is they are not armchair critics or grouping who want govt to fail. They seem to be going for a win-win situation and I don’t find them crying foul in this position. Keep doing what you do best guts and girls. You have revolutionised civil when it comes to way things must be done. The old dogs seem beaten on this score and are left wondering with the so called Grand numbers. Am truly impressed with your courage to take on these matters with boldness

  9. This YALI freak is as confused as the sick minded MPs he is consulting. In a dramatic turn he has suddenly decided to bolt to the very corner he was against. I feel so much disgust I had better stop right here.

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