THE Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has urged Zambians to give a yes vote to the referendum on 11 August.
JCTR director Leonard Chiti said the issue of the referendum was not a partisan but national issue that needed concerted efforts from all stakeholders regardless of one’s religious or political affiliation.
Fr Chiti said politicians had an opportunity of telling the people the truth regarding the referendum instead of them giving conflicting information on the exercise.
Fr Chiti was speaking during a stakeholder’s workshop on the referendum and elections at Livingstone Lodge in Livingstone yesterday.
He said the referendum exercise has an opportunity of building a platform for a better Zambia if it succeeded.
“My appeal is that this is not a partisan issue, but a national issue that is very progressive and for the better future of the generation to come. We started advocating for a new constitution sometime back and some of the politicians who are against the referendum now, were part of the exercise but now we are surprised that they have changed their stance.
“Some of the rights that are being proposed in the bill of rights are very cardinal to the development of the nation but it is sad that here in Southern Province some politicians are telling people to ignore the referendum and to our surprise, they are not explaining why people should ignore it,”Fr Chiti said.
He called on stakeholders to go flat out and sensitise people to vote yes in the referendum.
The JCTR director also appealed to political parties to engage in issue based before the 11 August general elections.
“Politicians should realise that people want to hear their agenda for the country and not personal attacks. Am happy with what I have seen in Livingstone, campaigns are peaceful and political parties are able to co-exist, all districts need to emulate the atmosphere in Livingstone,” he said.
Fr Chiti & JCTR it is good you have now realised how selfish & sadistic some politicians are. There are still a few people out there who still think these proud & arrogant chancers have anything to offer but their own interests. What is GOOD for Zambians like the proposed Bill of Rights, the new roads, hospitals, schools etc. they say it is BAD. But these facts they’re dismissing are the ones that test commitment from politicians. It is a pity some people can fall for sweet nothings from a dual composed of corrupt violent & ruthless businessmen over facts they can see & touch! God help & protect Zambia!
“We started advocating for a new constitution sometime back and some of the politicians who are against the referendum now, were part of the exercise but now we are surprised that they have changed their stance”……………eba chipantepante!
There is no need to rush such an important matter. The content of what people are voting for need to be fully understood. This is not the case right now. Many people do not know what they are voting for in this referendum! IT IS SUFFER TO VOTE NO. THAT IS WHY WE ARE VOTING NO! WE HAVE BEEN CHEATED BEFORE BY THESE POLITICIANS! WE DO NOT TRUST THEM!
Can Father Chiti please clarify the implications of Article 4 with regard to the Barotse Agreement? Successive Zambian Governments have been playing hide and seek on the matter of the Barotse Agreement. Our interpretation of including Article 4 under Article 79 is to manipulate the matter of the Barotse Agreement and avoid the recommendations of the Chongwe Commission of Enquiry on the matter! LOZIS SHOULD VOTE NO! There is no need to rush!
Indeed, with the haste that the outgoing PF government rushes important issues through, at such colossal costs to the treasury, one gets skeptical each time such exercises of national importance arise. As will be expected, when UPND takes over power, they will have to AGAIN go through the ‘new’ constitution as certain clauses (grade 12 clause for example, provincial assemblies etc ) were rushed or omitted. Such lack of prudence in managing national treasury has been our downfall as a poor country for so long. Dr Chongwe’s report, was done as a public exercise but concealed as a national secret. Very confusing leadership.
I feel sorry for some of you cadres who are intoxicated with stupor & belief that a composition of 2 unruly & uncaring capitalists who don’t even know you are your saviours over & above an instrument which guarantees you more rights & freedoms. How more politically silly can some of us become? What do you mean rush? Do you know that it’s taken 58 yrs to reach here? Don’t be blinded by what death merchants are selling you. The bill of rights is important for you & will outlast all politicians & affect your children. Think beyond politics & read it for yourself. The last referendum was decades ago. This referendum is more important than general election. May God have mercy on you!
@socrates and othes above.
It is hypocritical for you to mention that the referendum was rushed and you don’t understand it fully.the referendum means well for you and me and it is non political.if you and the leader you are going to vote for mean well for this country i don’t expect you to discourage people to vote against the referendum which has some clauses which will compel those managing the affairs of this country to do like for instance education for all.
It is not only Socrates alone who is skeptical. I’m also very skeptical and I’m voting NO for the referendum. Most of my relatives listen to me. I’ve advised them to vote NO also.
Let us not politicize everything at our own peril! For what gain is there for a man who takes over the whole world but loses his soul? Vote yes to the referendum for the betterment of the present and future generations!