The Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says the Zambian constitution, currently under consultation, will only stand the taste of time once it is people driven.
NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beatrice Grillo, says her organisation is concerned that lack of participation by the Executive to the constitution making process may be an exposé to lack the support of the general populace.
Ms Grillo said her organisation is further concerned with the lack of commitment and assurance of the national referendum process by the Executive
She told ZANIS in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that it is the legal and moral duty of the Executive to ensure that it subjects the current national constitution to a national referendum.
Ms Grillo noted that government has not demonstrated its commitment to the process of appointing a Referendum Commission which she said is the preparatory process for the country to have a lasting constitution.
She has since called on all citizens to raise their voices to call for an immediate setting up of the Referendum Commission in order to facilitate for the holding of a national referendum.
ZANIS
A referendum is the only sure way to know that the people are agreeable to the contents of the constitution. We have made enough mistakes in the previous constitution making processes, its high time we learnt and did something that will be widely acceptable, its the only way the constitution will stand the test of time.
ms grillo,
we all know that the executive will do everything possible to delay the progress of the constitution making.
the presido will definetely want to cling to the current one for obvious reasons – POWER,
its up to each of us to team up and push for the constitution otherwise iam seeing this process going on up to 2016 believe you me.
Will the referendum be a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ for the entire constitution?
Am thinking that if I don’t like an article on citizenship should that drive me to vote NO for the entire constitution? Or just because one politician is uncomfortable with 50+1 should he/she vote NO for the whole constitution?
My other question is what will happen in case the majority vote is NO? Will we continue with the current constitution?
Good call. But are we also partnering in funding this commission? Let NGOs add value to the process by partially funding the commission. Political commitment will then be tested to see if our democracy is really ready for the proposed changes in the constitution.
100% loss of public funds in the event that the referendum is a NO can not be entertained. There is still alot to do with public funds in areas of social development. One which touches my heart being the health sector. We need medicines and equipment to improve the lives of ailing Zambians.
Hi, just wanted to say i liked this article. it was practical. keep on posting.