Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Southern African Center for the Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has called for transparency in all negotiation meetings being held between government and other stakeholders ahead of the enactment of the country’s new constitution.
SACCORD’s call follows the recent meeting which Justice Minister and ruling Patriotic Front Secretary General Edgar Lungu and the Grand Coalition of the Demand for a People Driven Constitution recently held in-camera.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says such meeting on the new constitution should be made public because the enactment of the country’s new supreme law is an issue of public interest.
Mr. Cheembe has told Qfm news in a telephone interview that there is need therefore for all stakeholders on constitution to move away from secrecy which has characterized the entire constitution making process from the time that it begun.
He says this is why it is important that if public confidence is to be attained on the current constitution making process, all stakeholders involved in this endeavor must be transparent as possible.
Mr. Cheembe says this means that whatever issues are discussed and agreements that have made between government and other stakeholders on the enactment of the new constitution people should be made aware of such details.
He says this will also help avoid a situation where government and other stakeholders begin to having secret meetings on the constitution.