Centre for Governance Excutive Director, Patrick Mnthanga, says Civil society organisations (CSOs) on the Copperbelt Province have pledged to support the constitutional amendment process as it provides an opportunity to strengthen democracy and enhance citizens’ participation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ndola ,centre for governance executive director Patrick Mnthanga said the Civil Society Organisations will actively participate in the nationwide consultation being facilitated by the technical team to ensure the constitution meets the needs of society.
“We believe the process provides a historic opportunity to strengthen our democracy, enhance citizen’s participation and ensure that the supreme law of our land truly reflects the aspirations and needs of all Zambians”, Mr Mnthanga said.
He said the CSOs are committed to mobilise citizens across all districts of the Copperbelt to make informed submissions to the constitutional court.
Mr Mnthanga has called on citizens of the Copperbelt Province to seize the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the nation by making submissions to the technical committee.
He said the technical committee should also ensure that consultation forums on the Copperbelt are accessible, inclusive and conducted in local languages to facilitate maximum participation.
He has also urged the government to provide adequate resources and sufficient time for consultations in all districts in the province.
“The Media should support Civil education efforts and provide platforms for informed public discourse on the constitutional amendment process”,he said.
And Government and Development Advocates Zambia Executive Director, Elias Mulonga, said the constitution has a lot of gaps that need to be amended, hence the need for the people to come in numbers and make submissions.
Mr Mulonga said the organisations will ensure that marginalised and vulnerable groups including women and youths, as well as persons with disability are represented in the consultation process.
He said the CSOs are committed to ensuring that the constitutional amendment process results in a supreme law that consolidates democracy, promotes all good governance and enhances unity.
