PARAMOUNT CHIEF MPEZENI RAISES CONCERN OVER CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCESS
Inkhosi YaMakhosi Mpezeni of the Ngoni people says the proposed constitutional amendment lacked sufficient consultation in its initial stages.
The traditional leader stated that there should have been consultations with traditional leaders and other stakeholders before formulating the bill.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Justice Minister Princess Kasune today, Inkhosi YaMakhosi noted that the traditional leadership was sidelined and only learned of the proposed amendment after it had already been formulated.
However, he acknowledged that some clauses in the bill are progressive, particularly those that provide opportunities for young people and women.
Ms. Kasune explained that the UPND government is not the only administration to have identified gaps in the constitution.
She further clarified that the intentions behind the proposed amendment are to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities who aspire to political leadership.
This would be achieved by creating additional constituencies, some of which will cater to groups that have long been overlooked.
Breeze FM
Constitutional review and Amendement of the constitution are two different things.
Would we need to consult when we see a bus is veering off the road?
The issue of delimination is in the law. What naysayers should be asking is let there be no gerrymander. And transparency is the nem proposed constituency boundaries. But that comes in at the debate stage. Right now people are being dismissive of the fact that the government has proposed Constitutional amendments.
Terms of office of Cabinent ministers. This has been a contentious issue. Why not have in black and white. So that once parliament is dissolved even cabinet ministers do not over stay their position while still being paid. The issue was taken to court. Why? Cause the law was absent or vague on the issue.