National Assembly Speaker Amusaa Mwanamwambwa says he is impressed with the Zambian youths interest to learn about democracy.
Mr Mwanamwambwa expressed gratitude that adults and young people are becoming aware of the importance of democracy and learning to cope up with the view of many people they live with.
Mr Mwanamwambwa, who is also Zambia Inter-Parliament Youth President called for the involvement of young people in programmes of political issues.
The Speaker said this when he officiated at the 6th National Youth Parliament to mark the International Day of Democracy that fell on September 15.
Zambia could not commemorate the day on September 15 like the rest of the world because she was preparing for the official opening of the 10th session of Parliament by President Rupiah Banda.
He however, regretted that political intolerance has continued to impede the tenants and principles of democracy because people do not want to respect other people’s opinions.
The Speaker said it is the responsibility of all citizens and political leaders to practice tolerance with deeds and actions and not mere words by accepting and respecting the basic rights and civil liberties of persons, groups who have different views.
He challenged the youths to learn to tolerate and respect other people’s views because democracy calls for respecting one another’s views.
Mr Musonda said unless the society develops a culture of tolerance, democracy cannot be upheld.
This year’s theme’s International Day of Democracy is dubbed: Democracy and Political Tolerance”.
And speaking earlier, National Youth Constitution Assembly (NYCA) Co-ordinator Muuka Tony Mweemba said young people should be developed.
Mr Mweemba regretted that young people are confronted by poverty, child defilement, HIV/AIDS, child abuse, lack of employment and failure to access essential services such as health and education.
Mr Mweemba said it is in this view that the NYCA is taking deliberate steps to increase awareness of current affairs on social, economical and political issues to greater heights in order for the youths to firmly confront their plights.
The NYCA is currently operating in four Provinces namely Eastern, North-Western, Lusaka and Southern. The 6th National Youth Parliament attracted youths from schools and political parties among others.
Some Members of Parliament who are also deputy and cabinet ministers were in attendance to commemorate International Day of Democracy.
ZANIS
A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government.It can only exist until the voter discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure.From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasure,with the result that democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy,followed by a DICTATORSIP
Youth have always been interested in Democracy. Is this when ba speaker is ever aware? BTW what’s with been speaker for 20 yrs? Is it a lifetime position monga ma chief justice kuma chalo yena? I may have forgotten my civics?
Gopala you are wrong. The world over youths are the least bothered about politics. If the opposite is the case in Zambia then they are only doing it for money like the oldies you have running the country now.
I feel these big people as much as they would want to embrace the youth in democracy and politics, they should also lead by example.No one can convince me that today Zambia is as democratic as these people preches the word.All politians that seems to be practising democracy seems to be still in UNIP days.They would want to rule for life.Ba Rupiah no convention, BaSata, HH,———
Why in the world is he Zambia Inter-Parliament YOUTH President ?  He is like what 70? The youth need a ‘YOUTH’ to represent their views not by someone who is clearly past their retirement as per Zambian law. And the youth have always been and will continue to be interested in politics….super Ken was a relatively young man when he and others fought in the trenches for our independence, Bashi Castro wasn’t old in 92’…….only this chap Bwezani is in the madalas league…..! When the youth speak up he tries intimidation tactics eg lockin’ up and expellin’ CBU students on tramped up charges…..
Whatever! I’m too tired to comment on this one, so I’m off to sleep under my little fig tree where I feel so safe and free. Goodnight Zambia, I hope I see you in my dreams.
so what? this is horse dung!
Chiluba’s newly found energy has started creating problems, even now antagonizing our friendly neighbours. His stupidous claim that South Africans were given money when they were formulating their Constitution with instructions that they include rights of prostitutes, homosexuals and lesbians is to say the least most unfortunate. And talking about prostitutes, who does not know that Regina, his wife is a prostitute? I mean, she was married to aMwanza while at the same time having her blossom and canal explored by Chiluba. Chiluba too is a prostitute: Vera, Regina, Koonga and the list is listless.
This is just mere words…youths are always interested but the old folks in power wants to hold on to power…..Can someone please tell me how true is it that Rupia alas “Bwezani” wants to put his ugly head on a K50,000 note.
This is good and important to harness political interest from young people.There are some young people who can and will make a good contribution to the service of the nation in politics and they should be helped to start developing good habits from inspiring veteran politicians.
This is a good step in the right direction, Mr. Speaker Sir.