The first ever summit of political party presidents opened in Lusaka today with a call on the country’s political leaders to build consensus on the nations constitution making process.
President Mwanawasa in his capacity as the president of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy, MMD, attended the meeting held under the auspices of the Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, ZCID summit chairperson Justice Frederick
Chomba regretted that the country has for too long paid attention to politics of bickering and sectarianism at the expense of national development.
Justice Chomba charged that utterances by political party leaders in the recent past
clearly indicate that there has been no consensus on major national issues such as the constitution making process.
He said failure by political leaders to reach consensus on the enactment of a new constitution has surprised many, as there is an all round agreement that the Chiluba
constitution of 1996 is so flawed that it needs to be replaced.
“However, since 2003 divisive, acrimonious and cacophonous utterances have continually been made, deafening the ears of the masses,” he said.
Justice Chomba pointed out that the lack of consensus on the constitution making process has resulted in increased poverty levels and coupled with diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
He said the current woes the country was facing are due to insignificant development
achieved in the social, political and economic sectors.
“These calamities are happening because there has been too much politicking in negative terms. One can justifiably say that the maladies have made our political independence pale into insignificance and our independence has become meaningless especially to people at grass-root level,” he charged.
“I want you to know that twenty two million eyes are focused on you, expectantly hoping that you will pave a way to a new Zambia in which you will work closely to eliminate the obstacles which have propelled you to operate at cross purposes,” he added.
He reminded the party presidents that the meeting they were attending was not meant
to espouse sectarian political agendas but to collectively plan the future of the country and to lay a solid foundation for posterity.
Justice Chomba stressed that the success of the summit will mean progress for the
country and that failure will only spell doom and an uncertain future for the nation.
And ZCID board chairperson Katele Kalumba told the summit that the idea of a Constitution that will stand a taste of time stems from perceptions that past efforts to come up with an acceptable Constitution have not been satisfactory.
Mr. Kalumba, who is also MMD National Secretary, said therefore, it is important
that all stakeholders be specific and clear about the nature of the agreements and
disagreements surrounding the Mungomba Constitution recommendations.
He said there is need for political leaders to refine their thinking and secure a
common understanding if the quest for a constitution that will stand the taste of
time will be achieved.
Other political leaders that attended the meeting include Patriotic Front president
Michael Sata, United Liberal Party leader Sakwiba Sikota and UNIPs Tilyenji Kaunda.
All People’s Party president and National Democratic Party leaders Kenny Ngondo and
Ben Mwila were also present at the summit
The Forum for Development and Democracy, FDD, the United Party for National
Development, UPND, and the New Generation Party were all represented at the meeting
by their party stewards.
Zambia has so far undertaken four Constitution Reviews beginning with the Mainza
Chona Commission of 1972, the Mvunga Commission of 1990, the Mwanakatwe Commission of 1993 and the Mungomba Constitution Review of 2003.
In all these efforts, the question of constitutional legitimacy has been a critical
issue.
ZANIS
BA lusakatimes.com PLEASE REMOVE THIS TOPIC
Ba Joze..We want to read.
Ba Joze, you are so useless. How do you discard such an important national issue?
#2 and 3,Imwe baice, lekeni ukupepe ifyamba fyaku Malawi. you are saying its not useless then WHERE ARE YOUR COMMENTS? mwebifi mwe. Atase mwakwai, ici ci topic nici replica and pipo high calibers like:Kuku, Nkataboy,FK,FK,CK,kafyuke, kayata,SAGE,AM,even easy and others had passed rich comments. Elo mwacibuka te?
#3 Muso, be humble mwaice and stop ukufyopa amanina ya yellow. Grow up chap. In The Book of RUFQUA on page 6791 regard you as Gobbledygook
This is a very important matter. But i hope the ZCID mobilised its own resources and not from Government because this is a waste of resources as the constitution review report already recommended for a constituent assessembly and the zambian people have also said so, but the selfishness of Chuchu and his company has led to unnecessary tension. We look forward to the outcome!! May Gob bless Zambia
Ba Joze. Thats why there is follow ups anf new developments in every issue. Nikwisa Mwakulile?? I wonder the level of your education.
Ba Lusaka Times are doing a great job elyo iwe ulelanda atishani?? Grow up man!
# iwe ka- Cyber, where are your commnets? Are you still reading? This is not Jelita and Mulenga that can take you ages to finish. Awi mwe !! kuti nama major mukufyopa amanina ya yellow nishi nabo paba mukusabaila kwati nakalimo elo bapwisha ukundosa insuko sha-white.
Where is the development on this issue? Ba POLOticiani are just urged to agree on the constitution making process. From history where there is KATELE KALUMBA there is choas and nothing good will come out.
Cyber read The Book of RUFQUA on page 6791 and it regards you as Gobbledygook
Ba Joze is right. You *****s are just arguing without any points. Useless topic. Just let Mwanawasa have his way and call for a referendum. When we rule, this country, we shall make him suffer. He will regret he disobeyed us the Zambians for his personal gains. The day we’ll put him in cells, he will even remember his mother and father. we will torture him as a lesson to posterity that the will of the people is supreme, not personal satisfaction! His pain will be more than Chiluba’s because he hasn’t stolen but just became to selfish, self-centered and forgotten that it’s the people who put him there, albeit he won by corrupt means. Mwanawasa shall feel the pinch and awaken to our wrath before he dies!!!!!!!!
man, that’s hard talk!
Ba Joze how are you abaiche nabafunganya. I told you to concentrate on fundraising for 2011 time is runing out. I dont worry I was out I left my ex to make comments on other issue. Now I wondering why the reporter here is informing the public more on what justice Chomba said instead of the stakeholders themselves. I want statements from Sata, LPM, on the away through in the constitution process. Its unfortunate that the real issue here has not be touch by the media. Hoping tomorrow morning we shall hear sth on the constitution. Leave HIV, Malaria and to the responsible sector which health ministrial and the community at large. In Zambia dont we have division of labour the day someone from sport was taking over the function of government spokesman. There are the reason why dont progress because there is too much talking than actions. Concentration on the core issue is cardinal in any area otherwise we shall be waste time and money without results.
#8 Kojo Bunny, You are feel to say anything but dont insult the head of state he is under oath and the laws will catch up with you and you will regret. I believe you are still young and you have ambitons in life. Plz comment on the topic its talking of constitution review. Learn more how handle yourself in Public. You can critise or say what you think but avoid insults because Interpol will come and pick you one day. Remember it easý ti ´censor this media.
Its now constitution Conference no more CA. No refrendum.
Im feedup with you pipo who behave like dead leaves that follow where the wind is blowing.Today you support next day you are against. To hell with your interpo Easy . whom do you think you are? Yes LPM will be held accountable for failing to enable the costitution making process to start due to his hiden selfish agenda with his cronies like Mr MUPO and this young Minister of sports.Money is not the issue in future when we have a costitution that is pipo’s driven politicians will never enrich themselves b4 electorates.Ask yourselves,how many MPs who were poor before joining politicis wearing ama tropical namatoloshi ayafikamba.To day they are super rich within 5years.Billions if not trillions of Kwachas are missing from each ministries,when are we going to stop this.Only a costitution that is pipo ‘s driven can stop this deadly disease.Kuku, joze, easy and others start mobilising young guns to sweep all rotten old politicians. New brush sweeps clean.power to pipo. Bajoze&chochamitanda
Mbozi nishi, Tamwacilala bwino. “Whom do I think am I” of course a human being with feelings for others and fighting for the right cause for Zambia.WHen give advice Iam doing it for a good purpose to educate some you MBozi13# pantu insulting those who are in authority wont help changing the current constitution only ideas will see us through. I know many MPs join the parliament literarily poor but they have privilleges and entitlments because what the laws spitulates and make use of this clauses at the expense of the pipo who them in power. Development drags yet this the news during campaign they say I will do that and this. Dont put the whole MPS because they dont hold ministrial positions, actually its the duty of the civil services to expose this mismanagement. We have qualified personal like accountants in every department and they people they failed to perform below par because they never studied controlling but stealing when they were in learning institutions. The Public….
Administrator as well they have not been doing their jobs of count check and reporting in they work. Stealing then became the order of the day. We have auditors who not done their work too until recently the Auditor General Mama Anne exposed the dirty under the carpet. You can see we have a lot to do changing the CON alone is not enough but the changing of the whole systems it must be abhauled.Bringing ideas here about the CONSTITUTION why we need to change it and what are the benefits so a common man will understand.
Just a bit of information for Zambians to chew over: I notice that the Kenyans are finally going to vote on the constitution they have been asking for. If you remember, President Mwai Kibaki and his cronies refused to remove contentious clauses that gave the president execessive powers and the people rejected it. Now it appears he has bowed to the people’s wishes. I also noticed that the ruling and opposition parties in Zimbabwe have had a draft constitution agreed between them since 2004. All this time Mugabe has been blocking it’s adoption. You will also remember that Obasanjo was eager to support constitutional reforms because he had ‘smuggled’ in a clause giving him a third term. These are the dirty tactics Zambians should look out for. There is a long fight ahead.
Take easy 16# Chitapankwa, thank you for the information be informed Kenyans have strong will to do something for there common man which not the case in Zambia. Over Zimbabwe the problem is very complex the constitution changes was agreed by govt but the oppositioon refuse and selffish and they brought misery to Zimbabweans for selling their own country to outsiders. Now they are in a fix and the economy is crambling. If a position leader start get money to finance violence, to bring down the govt then this opposition is not worth it. Mugabe what he has done is justfied open your eyes if you are African because there is much to regret if we are not case over this problem in Zimbabwe.We want true African who will no run away and start selling the nation like in the colonial times. It is time to be on guard and defend our rights. Look at our NGOs they eat by both hands if dont get favours from the govt they run to the donors. Remember anyone coming to use in a polite manner with ful of
Take easy 16# Chitapankwa, thank you for the information be informed Kenyans have strong will to do something for there common man which not the case in Zambia. Over Zimbabwe the problem is very complex the constitution changes was agreed by govt but the oppositioon refuse and they brought misery to Zimbabweans for selling their own country to outsiders. Now they are in a fix and the economy is crambling. If a position leader start get money to finance violence, to bring down the govt then this opposition is not worth it. Mugabe what he has done is justfied open your eyes if you are African because there is much to regret if we are not case over this problem in Zimbabwe.We want true African who will no run away and start selling the nation like in the colonial times. It is time to be on guard and defend our rights. Look at our NGOs they eat by both hands if dont get favours from the govt they run to the donors. Remember anyone coming to use in a polite manner with ful of
promise just know he has interest. As a Zambian be happen that the opposition and govt can sit together and discuss such issue like the constitution. If you have not heard the news yesterday the parties met and agreed to bring a constitution Conference Bill into parliment next month when it starts seating again. It will be debated and then go to the people. This is the best because all those who are calling for CA they wanted to benefit through sitting allowances. We can afford this Zambia has alot of pending problems. Justice Friederick Chomba outlined somethem. We need to apply Lean Management which say minimium resources maximium results. This a management principle which made Motor companies like Toyota to be global companies with progress.
#17 Easy. I get what you are saying. What I meant was that Zambians need to be prepared for a long slog, regardless of what politicians are saying. Of course yesterday’s resolution must be applauded and politicians must be given a chance to do their job. However, I would still advise caution. By its nature, parliament is partisan. This means that the will of the party with the majority prevails. It will be interesting to see how much consensus and goodwill there will be in the next few weeks and months. As for the rights and wrongs of Mr. Mugabe’s actions – that’s another debate.
20# Chitapankwa, MPs are partisan yes its true. There is on way in life can you have a soccer Team and your nummber is helping the opponents to score the goals. Definately you will that game. Worse still is when the referee, linesmen and match commissioner belong to the same team. Do you what mean- 20# We need a strong opposition and this just happened in Zambia last during the tripate elections for the first time over 60% of the MPs were replaced. We have a strong opposition. This what democracy requires and if two parties dont agree then you see compromise coming. Anything out of this is dictatorship or autocracy. When changing the constitution is not every thing is going to change.Any country has customary and land laws these must be prevailed to make a country governable. There clause that needed to be changed like ” The president can appointment Cabinet ministers among MPs and nominate 10. He change this instead like saying. President can choose cabinet minister among capable..
ctd.. Zambians. MPs are not there to sit at Manda Hill or automatically become ministers but they have the responsibilities to spearhead developments in there constituencies. The president should not appointing District Commissioner or Governers during KK era the people should themselve at local level.These are the changes we need bcos we have too much centralised power system that has failed the national development. If I come from Mangango and Iam a retired teacher and I need my money I should not wait for 5 years if Iam lucky to get pension. People should be given an opportunity to their money with there home area. That means we have to change so many Bills. If you want 50+1 % to win an election all this can be done. But this must include other alternatives juts in case there is a stalment.
After dont just cry for CA read what article 79 of COZ over changing the constitution.Then you can understand why the president is asked for a refrendum. There must be particiation of ligible voters and the whole process has to go thru 3 reading before it can be inacted,
#23 Easy
Zambia has so far undertaken four Constitution Reviews beginning with the Mainza Chona Commission of 1972, the Mvunga Commission of 1990, the Mwanakatwe Commission of 1993 and the Mungomba Constitution Review of 2003. What matters now is not the number but the frequency at which the Constitution Reviews is done and all the four reviews didn’t go by refrendum. And if it goes by Chuchu’s way of refrendum then expect some twists to favour chuchu in its finale.
Ba Jose na baice benu you are missing one important point here. The most important issue here is what does the constitution say about amendia article 79. What options do we have to amend article 79. The referendum is inevitable. Parliament does not have constitutional rights to amend article 79. Political leaders dont have the mandate and the constitutional right change article 79. The only right people empowered by the constitution to amend article 79 is the citizens through a referendum. Wether you agree or not, re writting a constitution is a costly venture. Politicains today met and drunk coffee . at the same time they resolved to take the issue back to parliament knowing pretty well that parliament does not have the powers to amend certain self preserving clauses like article 79. We have a circus and nothing will happen. Levy does not have the will power to deal with the issue. We have wrong people in government with hidden agendas. They will do everything to stall the process.
SAGE# so we have to this go the costly process. This unreason able we have to see that those who will sit on any commission, treaty, they get allowances but they have to declare the money to charity organisation like Schools, hostipals, opharnage. Only a small amount should be given to them. All want to to milk govt coffer which are empty. Only the CSO shall be given money the majority they have salaries. This is what they do in the west as a result all are benefiting.
EASY .. If tomorrow LPM appoints you to sit on the commission would you give your allawances to charity?
Stop being hypocritical, any one who will sit on that commission deserves the money. thats tough but thats the way it is.
SAGE#27 Definately I will do provided the govt put in place a condition how much should retain. Even Ba KK the money he get from speeches he must declare it in form of taxes and certain amount he can keep the rest you be donated. What is wrong with that why get 3000 times as much as others when as a country we have so many problems.
Ba Joze congratulations namukula
Cyber#29 Ba Joze he had to do some research because I asked him about this question on the other topic check on the other topics. He has taken him 2 days to answer because he didnt know about the Chona commission from 1972. I told him go and search the archives of UNIP at the corner of freedom way and Cairo Road there is a small libary which many people dont know about. If asked you who was the first Zambian to tried of treason in the KK era. I think you cannot answer this without refering to the books. Even I was to ask which act is the alterlation of the constitution prohibted you can give me the right away. Know your country history. Ba Joze doesnt even tells why the refrendum was not held if he knows better about the politics of Zambia yet he wants to be Presido. Did you see his Cabinet it includes Paparazzi, Anonynmus, Ms Daka VEEP. I refused his appointment because for got two important ministries of labour and trade.
Easy,Bajoze and Sage we need you pipo on this blog. Your contributions are so important keep up with the good will. Paparazi where are you pls contribute not Japan issue.Chocha mitanda in Uk any last? Brown is PM.
Bushe ici chi Easy ichi chimagona nakugona ichi? It’s like life ni yapa Lusaka Times che? Mulelala…….! 75% of the stuff here is written by you! and ni maele-ele cabe! The English is also just too poor man! Go to night school man — kazizi iwe!!!!!!!!
True, I noticed too that this EASY guy (or maybe gay -since he doesn’t seem to ever sleep) is taking up much of the space with his rubbish, senseless talk. he is a chalattan. It’s true ba Kojo Bunny.
Hahaha, interesting….you guys are analysts, I didn’t notice this B4! Ichachine fye, ba Easy kanshi ni bangwele!
In my small way, as I realse I have a tiny brain compared to all you guys, I cherish the fact that no suggestion is too small and thus here’s my comment:
Some of the programmes put in place by any Government of the day are good, but they do not stay to see daylight in the next Government…
This, in my view, is not only privalent in Zambia but rather in most AFRICAN COUNTRIES.
An example is the prostitution among our presidents to keep changing nations we befriend. Also, the “keep Zambia clean initiative” will be thrown away by the aspiring new government for votes…this pains me alot!
Chiluba started very well…by inspecting toilets even though they were of his height:) I think I’m loosing the point here…smile:).
The remedy is to include the sustenance of good projects by succesive governments in the new constitution!
Hahaha Baice we are trained to stay away for our country so dont waste time insulting me and teasing me. I have made considerable contributions that has made in your political parties to hold an agent meeting over the new constitution. After all here its a family issue we are on guard my 10 children, 50 grandchildren they are working tireless to monitor mother Zambia. We know some of you the Internet came to late your homes I can still remember you Anonymous in 1996 reporting that Tyson chewed Holyfield ear for lunch. Us we had already heard the news. My online device is small if want I carry it anywhere I want go in my pocket. So boys talk sense here contribute to the discussion. Per mause klick pingo. Kojo Bunny is useless boy because he like insulting dont follow him SAGE he will mislead.
though just a show to the media, the picture on the post showing levy patting michael on the back and having a light moment is encouraging, cause the last time the two met,they exchanged bad words, a little maturity there, despite diffrences,accolades to both levy and michael for that media show friendliness.peace
Ba Che(37), do not feel patronized but your comment is among the more mature made in this thread for quite a while.
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