GOVT ADVISED NOT TO RUSH HOLDING OF REFERENDUM TO AMEND BILL OF RIGHTS
By Leah Ngoma
Governance Activist Isaac Mwanza has urged government not to rush holding of a referendum to amend the bill of rights but ensure massive sensitization is done before conducting the process.
Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe recently disclosed that the government intends to hold a referendum to amend the bill of rights to include economic, social and cultural rights during the implementation of the eighth national development plan.
Commenting on This Development, Mr Mwanza says in as much as the plans by government are welcome, there is need for the government in collaboration with civil society organizations to conduct massive sensitization campaigns to avoid people shunning the process as was the case in 2016.
Mr Mwanza is of the view that the referendum in 2016 was not successful due to lack of information and understanding by members of the public.
He is however concerned that the civil society movement in the country is currently weak with some activists being in government, a situation which has made them tight lipped.
PHOENIX NEWS