SACCORD URGES GOVT TO AVAIL ROADMAP ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes-SACCORD- is concerned that there is still no roadmap on constitutional reforms, 2 years after the UPND came into office.
Speaking at a public forum on the need for Constitutional Reforms in Zambia organized by SACCORD in collaboration with the fried rich Ebert Stiftung Zambia office in Lusaka this morning, SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe is also concerned that the country may not have a constitution if the 3 years of the UPND in government is done, as this will take Zambia into a political mood.
Mr. Cheembe however says stakeholders remain expectant and look forward to a time when government will release a roadmap and timeframe on how and when the constitutional reforms will take place.
And Mr. Cheembe has appealed to the Ministry of Justice and President Hakainde Hichilema to avail a roadmap on constitutional reforms and start the process of undertaking these reforms before political activities for the 2026 general elections commence.
At the same event, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Resident Representative Fritz Kopsieker stressed that constitutional reform process is key to the future of democracy and prosperity in Zambia.
PHOENIX NEWS
Boniface Cheembe, what kind of year is 2024? It’s a crises year; grain crisis and energy crisis. These are the priorities. We’re not emerging out of conflict to give priority to constitutional amendments.
Ba Choombe familarise yourself with issues and listen to what is being said about an issue then do your research before commenting.
Like most Zambian we have a tendency of responding by “knee jerk reaction” instead of think before we speak.
The President, the Speaker and the Minister of Justice have stated the prefered and cost effective approach to dealing with issues in the constitution.
1. Amend NON contentious issues that member will agree as a problem in the constitution.
2. You chaps seek to find yourselves as NGOs to make money from constitutional reforms processes.
Parliament by way of amendment can ably deal with any amendments.
Stop trying to legitimse looting of the treasury. Zambia is broke.