Governance Expert Macdonald Chipenzi has praised government for committing to ensure that the controversial Public Order Act is amended before the August 11, 2016 elections.
Mr Chipezi said the Public Order Act has been a source of political differences in the country nation for so many years now.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that government should be commended for the move which will enhance democracy in the country.
Mr Chipenzi also appealed to parliamentarians to debate the POA bill with a free conscience because it will help to guarantee freedom of association, assembly and respect for human right among others for every individual.
He said precedence will be set by the minister of Home affairs once the POA is amended because many stakeholders have been crying for the revision of this peace of legislation to reflect the democratic tenets obtaining in the nation.
And Anti Voter Apathy executive director Richewell Mulwani said the move by government is pleasing and will help address the fluctuating political climate in the country.
Mr Mulwani said the issue of POA has been a source of concern adding that the bill should be introduced to parliament as quickly as possible.
Mr Mulawani said the revision of the bill will increase citizen participation in the country’s political dispensation.
Recently, Home Affairs Minister Davies Mwila disclosed that government will ensure that the controversial Public Order Act is amended before the August 11 elections.
Mr Mwila said the Ministries of Home Affairs and Justice are ready to present the amendment bill to Parliament which reconvened on tuesday, April 12, 2016.
The Minister said government has listened to the cries of stakeholders on the need to have the Act amended.
He pointed out that the clause that requires notifying the police at least seven days before holding outdoor meetings or an event is one of the provisions that will be revised.
Mr Mwila said there is a general consensus that the notification period can be shortened to at least four days.
Wenyo PF yawina kudala UPND yaluza wenyo . . ECL forward!
Mr. Chpenzi, where is “Bill”? How can you comment without knowing contents of the “Bill”?
Governance expert my foot.! This !diot is a full blown upnd cadre.
MPs plz read clearly and don’t pass something that you will regret like you did with the Constitution which later disadvantaged you – the grade 12 certificate
We do not want this Country’s peace to be jeopardised just because some desperate political parties and NGOs have to be made happy. Or helped to make more mone from their funders or is donors