The Zambian Voice
The Zambian Voice has said that Zambians risk having a new constitution that only answers to the immediate political situation in the country.
Executive Director Chilufya Tayali said that his organization’s fears are based on its observations that only clauses that seem to favour the ruling party in the Constitution Bills were passed by Parliament.
Mr. Tayali pointed out that the 50+1 clause is one such provision he believes has been passed because the ruling party thinks passing this clause enhances its chances of winning the 2016 general election.
He said that people should therefore not fool themselves by believing that they have what they wanted in the new constitution.
Mr. Tayali said that if indeed the PF was interested in upholding people’s wishes and aspirations, it would have not rejected other progressive clauses.
He said that much as the Zambian Voice agrees with the explanation on the cost implication of implementing the discarded progressive clauses, it is of the view that what should have been kept in mind is that a constitution is not only there to answer to the present political situation.
Meanwhile, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President Andrew Nthewewe has said that the passing of the constitution bill marks the beginning of a new constitution order.
Mr. Nthewewe said that the constitution amendments will bring about change with regards the country’s governance system and structures.
He said that this was in view of some progressive clauses that have been adopted by Parliament.
Mr. Nthewewe noted that failure by Member of Parliament to pass the constitution amendment bill would have spelt doom for the country considering the huge resources that have so far been spend on constitution making process.
He cited the 50% plus one and the presidential running mate as some of the progressive clauses Zambians have been pushing for for a long time.
Mr. Nthewewe noted that the passing of the constitution amendment bill means 80% plus has been achieved in the constitution making process.
He has since urged stakeholders to start lobbying the President to append his signature so that the constitution can become law.
Mr. Tayali is just a useless man. Where was he when the parliament was debating such clauses? Her just wants to full pipo that he is a balanced man in criticising politicians when infact not. He only critices Edgar Lungu and the PF when they have not given him allowances for insulting HH.
He is indeed worse than Chanda Chimba the third.
Who are MP’s let the People have a referendum to overturn their choice. We can not have clauses that only favor Politicians, the constitution should be for all Zambians.
PF will always oppose anything that seem to drive Zambia forward. even if it’s PF or UPND next year?? we have to change the clause.
Yamuchita kuipa syphilis muntu uyu. Kaya!
Just read in the Daily Nation that 6 political parties are against the new article that requires all presidential candidates to be supported by 100 registered supporters from each of our 10 provinces. For me this is a very wise requirement given the 50+1 clause because it’ll ensure only serious contenders file in nominations. The era of having presidential candidates whose support is just their immediate family members was a crazy joke. Bravo to the new Clause!
10 000 register voters from each province and not 1oo
Tayali talks about everything, but he says nothing!
Talks too much, says little that makes sense. But even the most senseless person says something you can’t argue against once in a while. So I grudgingly agree with you Tayali
Talks too much saying nothing. But I agree with him here unfortunately.
Evidence suggest that Tiyali is only qualified to talk about prostitution matters and how to use a condom
placing too much power in people who know that their livelihood depends on tax payers’s money results in selective adoption of clauses that favour them. although we as zambians are caught between a hard place and a rock, we are moving slowly – one day we will get there. at least even if the 50+1 favours the PF now, it may turn out to be their worst nighmare
Ba PF, mulipileni Tayali epo talaponta 🙂
What is the state of affairs regarding the members of parliament who cross the floor?