EFZ backs constitution amendments

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) says it supports the proposed piecemeal approach to enacting the constitution provided the Zambian people get the expected results in having the constitution they have always wanted.

In his letter to Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula dated 18th May,2015 obtained by QFM News, EFZ Executive Director Pukuta Mwanza says although his organisation stood firmly for the constitution to be adopted through a referendum in the past, this is impracticable at the moment considering the limited time available for all process required to hold a referendum.

Reverend Mwanza says the EFZ’s position is now in support of a two tier approach of having some of the articles to be presented to Parliament while the Bill of Rights goes to the referendum to be conducted simultaneously at the time of the tripartite elections in 2016 thereby killing two birds with one stone and serving resources and time.

He adds that this will also help in capturing the voters already interested in participating in the tripartite election.

Reverend Mwanza says EFZ will support the piecemeal approach as long the final result can guarantee that the will of the majority of the people who submitted in favour of popular articles will be respected among them the appointment of Cabinet outside parliament, the 50% plus one vote threshold for the winning presidential candidate, the enshrining of the date of election in the constitution and the presidential running mate among other clauses.

Reverend Mwanza has urged the PF government to take cognizance of the fact that the Zambian people are now weary and are becoming impatient for a new constitution.