FOUNDATION for Democratic Process (FODEP) has described the call by National Restoration Party (NAREP) president, Elias Chipimo for early elections as an unrealistic move under the current legal framework.
FODEP executive director, McDonald Chipenzi said in an interview yesterday that it was not practical to have an interim Government as the current Constitution did not provide for such an arrangement.
Mr Chipenzi was reacting to calls by Mr Chipimo for an interim Government to facilitate the enactment of the new Constitution.
“Our current Constitution states that, in an event of the death of a republican President, or if he is incapacitated or resigns, the Vice-President is required to act as President for a period of 90 days and there after call for elections.
“There is no room for an interim Government unless, Parliament decides to repeal the law maybe such possibilities could be considered and pave way for the enactment of the Constitution,” Mr Chipenzi said.
Non Government Organisation Coordinating Committee (NGOCC) chairperson, Beatrice Grillo said in a separate interview that the suggestion by Mr Chipimo indicates the desperation people have for a new Constitution.
Ms Grillo said it was important for the nation to come up with an amicable solution to issues surrounding the enactment of the new Constitution.
On Monday Chief Government spokesperson, Joseph Katema clarified that President Michael Sata was not allegedly fatigued but focused on ensuring that promises made to the Zambian people are achieved.
He ruled out early elections and advised Mr Chipimo to wait for 2016 if he wants to contest the presidency.
Mr Chipimo’s sentiments have also drawn criticism from the Opposition Alliance because it was coming from a party that was operating outside agreements of other opposition parties.
Addressing journalists at the MMD secretariat, MMD leader, Nevers Mumba said while the opposition wanted to see change of government in 2016, the best was for all opposition parties to join the alliance and speak with one voice.
Alliance chairperson, General Malimba Masheke said citizens would hold Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba responsible if anything happened to the Draft Constitution due to change of goal posts in the process of enactment.
Gen Masheke said the alliance was the only hope for the Zambian people because the Patriotic Front (PF) had refused to honour many of their promises including the Constitution and were looking for hope.
All People’s Congress Party (APC) leader Nason Msoni who joined the alliance yesterday said he believed that the alliance offered the best opportunity in 2016.
Others in attendance included, Alliance for a Better Zambia ABZ leader, Frank Bwalya, People’s Party leader Mike Mulongoti and Zambians for Empowerment and Development leader, Fred Mutesa.
Correction NGOCC, People are not that desperate for a new constitution, it is people with specific interests. But as we have seen even most politicians and NGOs have shown that they can not destroy Zambian by bringing lawlessness just to have a new constitution apart from EFZ
Useless opposition….do not waste our time. Seleni tubombeko.
is chipimo a lawyer like i hear?