FORMER President Kenneth Kaunda’s son, Kaweche, has commended President Lungu for the removal of the clause in the Constitution on indigenous parentage, saying that the previous clause was meant to bar his father from standing as president.
In the former Constitution, the clause, under article 100, stated that a person qualifies to be nominated as a candidate for election as a President if that person (a) was a citizen by birth or descent (b) has been ordinarily resident in Zambia, among other qualifications.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Kaunda said the removal of the clause is long overdue, adding that it is unfair to have a clause based on an individual.
“We all know how that clause came about. The motive behind it was to bar my father,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambians in the Diaspora have welcome the dual citizenship clause in the amended Constitution, saying it will enable them invest back home.
Speaking from Austria, where he is currently studying political science, Zambian-born Austria citizen Madalitso Phiri, said it is a ‘dream come true’ to be accepted under the new Constitution as a Zambian whilst maintaining his Austrian nationality.
He said Zambia has one of the most educated people working as professionals in the Diaspora, such as engineers, doctors and nurses who would like to bring those skills home with no restrictions.
He said that Zambians living in the Diaspora will now also be able to fully and effectively participate in the economic activities of the country.
“This is not only a great honour, but also an obligation to do more for our country and I am very sure that many Zambians in the Diaspora will be able to influence change. I believe that the dual citizenship clause will expand Zambia’s economic base and stimulate trade,” he said.
He added that Zambians living abroad will now be inspired not only to return to their country of their origin, but to also invest in the country using advanced technology.
And Precious Chola, based in Ethiopia said the dual citizenship clause will make Zambians in the Diaspora feel part of the country despite being away.
“The dual citizenship clause will no doubt expand Zambia’s economic base, stimulate trade and investment and inspire Zambians in the Diaspora to invest back home. It will also encourage Zambians abroad to build a stronger Diaspora that will in turn, engage their host countries for economic and political decisions in favour of their country of birth and descent,” she said.
Another Zambian-born American citizen Mathews Chanda said that the clause allowing them to maintain Zambian citizenship whilst holding on to other passports will enable them implement their business investments without much difficulties.
Mr Chanda said President Lungu should be commended for signing the Constitution Amendment Bill into law, adding that Zambians must work together for the good of the country.
But muzungu opusa is still crying foul up to date.
You have failed to run everything. 50 yrs and everything is broken, only areas which were built by muzungu show some normalcy. I hope muzungu comes back.
It is just that some people wanted to adopt the American constitution which talks of a natural born citizen. Ask Ted Cruz. He is an American citizen who was born in Canada and Donald Trump is capitalizing on this like Chiluba did on Kaunda.
I hope removal of the parentage clause will bring to an end the anti-clause lobby, curtailing their clandestine sanctions against those perceived to have supported the clause.
What are you really talking about???
When are we praising ourselves. The politicians put into our constitution the parentage clause to fix each other. As a citizenry we fought it. Now we want to praise the same politicians as if they have done us a favour.
What does the dual citizenship mean for the somalians in ndola? Just asking. I like their innovation & how they are driving the city’s economy while we are busy insulting each other.
so one can become a president with duo citizenship. where will be his allegiance.to both countries
When i become the president of Zambia i will remove this clause fast. Zambia is for Zambians period.