Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Justice Minister Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) says it is cautiously optimistic newly appointed Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula will do the right thing with respect the enactment of the new constitution.
YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza says his organization is alive to the fact apart from being a Minister, Dr. Simbyakula is also a politician and that politicians usually change statements when given huge tasks such as delivery of a people driven constitution.
Mr. Mwanza however, says his organization still holds Dr. Simbyakula in high esteem in the same way it held President Edgar Lungu when he served as Justice Minister.
He says YALI thus expects Dr. Simbyakula to shed more light on the final draft constitution which has been released to the public for the purposes of getting feedback on the contents of the document.
Mr. Mwanza says once the period in which this feedback from the members of public has come to an end on 30th January, his organization will also expect the Justice Minister to avail to the nation what has been submitted.
He says YALI hopes that the Justice Minister will further be able to call for dialogue on the comments members of the public and other stakeholders will submit on the final draft constitution.
And Mr. Mwanza says the position President Lungu has taken on the way forward with regards the enactment of a new constitution is an indication that he means well.
He says it makes logical sense for President Lungu to suggest that perhaps the country can deal with the contentious clauses of the final draft constitution and enshrine them in the constitution without necessary waiting to hold a referendum.
Mr. Mwanza says his organization still thinks that a referendum on the Bill of Rights can still be held later after the initial amendments to the constitution have been made.