Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Isaac Mwanza
Opposition political parties have been advised to take advantage of a caucus meeting to straighten out issues and agree on having a better constitution before the end of 2015.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Acting President Isaac Mwanza tells QFM News in an interview that his organization has welcomed President Edgar Lungu’s intention to hold a caucus meeting with opposition political parties to discuss clauses in the draft constitution to be tabled before Parliament for amendment.
Mr. Mwanza says it is important for Government to hold an all-inclusive caucus that will involve other stakeholders such as the religious groupings, the media and civil society organizations who agree or do not agree with government plans to amend the Constitution.
Mr. Mwanza says this is because the Constitution that Zambia must have must be representative of views from a broader section of society that represent the views of both majority and minority Zambians.
He says what all stakeholders must realize is that Zambia cannot afford to get into 2016 without an amended Constitution that improves the governance system and sets ground for holding 2016 elections under the new systems that has been proposed.
He adds that the tradition by those in opposition to boycott such a meeting will not help Zambia to improve its governance and hopes that even the opposition political parties that have no Parliamentary representation will be considered for such a planned caucus.
Mr. Mwanza has however expressed sadness that despite the many pronouncements made by President Lungu, including improving the conduct of elections using the Digital systems, the President has not been helped by technocrats to bring these ideas to fruition.
The Acting YALI President has since called on the Minister of Justice Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula to expedite arrangements for the holding of such a meeting with all stakeholders and to announce the dates when such a caucus meeting will be held and ensure the meeting is transparently held to give Zambians a chance for them to follow what will be discussed.