Zambia Wake-Up Party (ZAWAPA) President Howard Kunda has warned the UPND Government against forcing the proposed constitutional amendment on the people of Zambia amid rejection of the process from key stakeholders.
Mr. Kunda said the people of Zambia have rejected constitutional amendments through the voices of the Church, Political Parties and the civil society.
Justice Minister Princess Kasune on Wednesday in Parliament unveiled the road map for the amendment process and some clauses to be amended in the republican constitution.
One of the controversial issues proposed in the amendments is increasing the number of nominated Members of Parliament from the current eight by revising Article 68 (2) b.
Mr. Kunda, the former Muchinga Member of Parliament said going ahead to amend the constitution when people have rejected it is betrayal of the voters.
He said the UPND should not champion constitutional amendment in order to dubiously stay longer in power.
“Where did the UPND get the proposed clauses from when they have not held any public consultative meetings to get people’s views on constitutional amendment? Which people is the UPND talking about? These clauses they are proposing to be changed in our Constitution can wait until after the next elections because we don’t have time to go around the country to get the views of citizens. The people have said no to constitutional amendment because there is no time. This Government should listen to the people; the republican constitution is a people’s document. You can change the UPND party constitution and not our Republican constitution,” Mr. Kunda said.
“Giving a constitutional amendment four months is not only irresponsible but a betrayal of the Zambian people’s trust that voted for them to better their lives and not to change the constitution. It is very clear that this Government has failed to live up to the expectations of the people and therefore they would want to change the constitution so that they can prolong their stay in office. Zambians have said no, the Church has said no, the civil society has said no and the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has said there is no time,” he said.
Sadly, good ideas being brought at the wrong time. Such constitutional push could jeopardize UPND’s electoral chances!
Good ridance
A government misleading and deceiving itself – the result of lost popularity
You wonder how brilliant minds just lose it when they are given the mantle to lead. In opposition, they looked sharp and all knowing. Now they are busy with irrelevant issues and in the process de-campaigning themselves. Look at how they are handling the energy crisis along with the rising cost of living. They have completely given up the fight and are now looking for an easy way out.
As far as the energy sector is concerned, I blame previous Governments for not investing in more hydro power stations. after sixty years of independence we can not continue to depend on Kariba when other places have potential. There should be a policy that each region should be self sufficient in power generation.
The UPND govt has already sabotaged the nation with its policies of selling our electricity, selling our food reserves, procuring expensive fuel, etc. They have also taken away the civil liberties of citizens by arresting anyone that expresses contrary views. Now they are on this treasonous path of unilateral changing of the constitution which is in fact treasonous. They should instead focus on fulfilling their election promises in the remaining months before the next elections.
Always think before you write. Learn to research and analyse issues .
Can you provide concrete evidence that UPND is selling your electricity? When was the contract made and who signed it?
The current contracts were signed by previous Government. Mozambique terminated the contracted signed by pf because they owe Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) millions of dollars. They signed a contract with NamPower to sell electricity. Do you know that Zambia might be sued for breach of contract if power is stopped to Namibia?
Most of the bloggers on this forum just comment to express their ignorance.
UPND are in a self preservation mode