Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
THE Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People Driven Constitution has reiterated the need for the Patriot Front (PF) Government to immediately facilitate the adoption of a constitution through a national referendum, and ensure the wholesome enactment of a people driven constitution before the 2016 elections.
Coalition Chairperson Fr Leonard Chiti in a statement says following a two-day strategic retreat in Siavonga, constituent members of the Grand Coalition have resolved to use all lawful means to ensure that Zambia is governed through a new constitution after the 2016 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections.
Fr Chiti says the Grand Coalition maintains that the Zambian people are determined to have a new constitution adopted through a National Referendum before 2016.
He states that the only setback is the lack of political will within the executive and the ruling party in general.
Fr Chiti says the Grand Coalition has since lined up a number of activities which will be rolled out immediately, in all parts of the country, to put pressure on the government to respect the will of the people for the new constitution to be adopted through a national referendum.
Hs adds that Coalition remains resolute in the demand for a new people driven constitution and that they will not rest until the people of Zambia have delivered unto themselves a people driven constitution.
Fr Chiti says it is sad to note that the Government is back pedalling on its promise to facilitate for a people driven constitution.
He states that the proposed Government partial and two-tier approach to the enactment of the new constitution negates the wishes of the Zambian people as expressed in the various Constitution making processes.
He says the constitution as the supreme law of the land is crucial to sustainable national development.
Fr Chiti says most of the current national challenges the country is facing today are as a result of the flawed national constitution.
He states that it is totally unacceptable that today Zambia is still grappling with governance challenges and high poverty levels largely because of the defective constitution.
Fr Chiti says the Grand Coalition appeals to President Edgar Lungu and the PF to reconsider their position and ensure that they facilitate for a people driven constitution before the 2016 elections.