Residents in Ndola on the Copperbelt province have expressed concern over lack of publicity concerning information on the referendum.
And Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Copperbelt chairperson, Ray O’ Mwape, says there is need for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to involve more stakeholders to help sensitise people on what is contained in the referendum.
ZANIS reports that in a random interview with residents in Ndola today most of the residents said they had information about the referendum but could not make an informed decision concerning the referendum.
Henry Mwenya, a trader at Ndola’s Chisokone Market, said he did not understand what the referendum is and at there is no way he would agree or disagree to the referendum without knowing what he is agreeing or disagreeing to.
He said it could be that if he agreed it might not be for the benefit of him or vice versa, which put him in a tricky situation, adding that there is need for people to be sensitised on the referendum.
And Alex Mulenga, a taxi driver, said there is need for people to be sensitised on the issue of the referendum as it goes beyond politics.
Mr Mulenga noted that the referendum is a good thing but that the ECZ should do more to educate the masses on it as there is little time remaining before voting.
He observed that the ECZ agents who are going to explain on the referendum in Churches and the messages being sent on mobile phones is not enough publicity for people to understand the referendum.
The JCTR Copperbelt chairperson, Ray O’ Mwape, said according to the research carried out by his institution in the province, a lot of people did not know whether to vote against or for the referendum because they do not know what the referendum is all about.
Mr Mwape explained that the referendum has come about because of the Bill of Rights that was not included in the amended constitution, adding that the ECZ should educate the people on why the Bill of Rights should be included in the Constitution.
He observed that when the referendum is passed it will make government duty-bound to ensure that all matters that are in the Bill of Rights are adhered to by acting on them.
Mr Mwape noted that only when enough publicity is done will the people know and understand what the referendum is.
And what is this Ray O’ non.sense? Anyway, I agree that with the short attention span that is currently prevailing due to violence and the rush to be presidents people are not calm enough to really look at the issues that they have to vote for in the referendum. It was not well timed.
Bill of Rights, I never understand it. How can I understand referendum?