Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) says it has been taken by surprise by Acting President Edgar Lungu’s statement that Parliament will decide whether to hold the Referendum on the enactment of a new Constitution or not.
Acting President Edgar Lungu is quoted in some sections of the media saying Parliament will determine the roadmap of the constitution-making process because it is the only arm of Government that is mandated to make and change laws.
But YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza has told QFM News in an interview that what is most surprising is that Mr. Lungu is very much aware of the provisions of the Referendum Act that places the responsibility to call for a referendum on the President and the Executive.
Mr. Mwanza says Mr. Lungu has received enough proposals on the way forward in the Constitution reform process from YALI and the Grand Coalition and that it is the responsibility of government to help guide the process.
He notes that if Mr. Lungu is serious about letting Parliament to have a say whether the Constitution will be adopted via the Referendum or not, the Justice Minister should introduce a Constitution Bill in Parliament.
Mr Mwanza has since called on Members of Parliament, especially from the opposition to avoid the temptation of introducing the motion on the roadmap in Parliament as past precedent has shown that very few of such motions would be passed considering that Parliament is dominated by the PF.