50 parliamentary seats should be created for women only-Vernon Mwaanga

Veteran Politician, Vernon Mwaanga has bemoaned the low representation of women in political leadership positions.

Mr Mwaanga has since submitted that 50 parliamentary seats should be created for women only, in order to guarantee their participation in decision-making positions.

He has noted that countries like Rwanda with good women representation, have been achieved by decree and not the democratic process.

Mr Mwaanga said this when he made his submission as a senior citizen before the Technical Committee on the Constitutional Amendment, in Lusaka.

“During the 2021 general election, we had 7, 023 000 registered voters. 53.4 percent were women and 46.70 percent were men. Out of the 156 Constituencies, only 25 women were elected to Parliament. In my view Mr Chairman, this is a national disgrace”, he lamented.

Among other submissions, Mr Mwaanga also recommended the retention of the two, five year terms for a president as well as the presidential running mate clause.

He explained that the latter will help the country avoid costs associated with by-elections.

And a political activist, Dante Saunders proposed for the removal of presidential immunity, immediately a head of State leaves office.

He added that a period of 90 days should be allocated for the removed immunity to allow for any issues to be addressed, after which, immunity should be restored.

He further proposed for the electorate to be empowered to re-call non-performing Members of Parliament and councillors.

Also among those who submitted was GEARS, a civil society organisation which recommended the constitutianalisation of the position of National Coordinator for Smart Zambia.

“This will help improve service delivery, transparency and accountability, ultimately reducing any opportunities for corruption”, Executive Director, Patrick Kaumba emphasised.

Meanwhile, Constitutional Amendment Technical Committee Chairman Christopher Mushabati has appealed to members of the general public to come in large numbers and make submissions to his committee.

Retired Supreme Court Judge Mushabati notes that coming up with a constitution to stand the test of time, depends largely on the people to attend, make submissions physically, written or virtually.

He notes that this way, democracy will be harnessed and promoted through active participation.

The Technical Committee Chairperson said this when he officially opened the public sittings for Lusaka Province being held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

He highlighted that the work of the Committee is to produce a consolidated and comprehensive report in line with Zambia’s democratic values, anchored on inclusivity and promotion of a fair governance system.

He further said the constitution to come is people driven, hence the Zambian people have this opportunity to present their views.

Later, Maxwell Mukwakwa, a senior citizen submitted that the 50 plus 1 percent threshold on the electoral process should be maintained.

Mr Mukwakwa explained that this will encourage political parties to work hard and deliver on their campaign promises and woo votes from the electorates.

He further proposed that Members of Parliament (MPs) should be increased to 211 comprising 30 percent of females translating to 63, while 70 percent or 148 to be males.

And another resident, Dongo Mubanga bemoaned that the number of youths and women representation at the National Assembly should deliberately be clearly included in the constitution.

Various stakeholders have continued to make their way to the Mulungushi International Conference Centre auditorium, to present their views.