Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
NGOCC Board Chairperson Sara Longwe
The Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) says the Parliamentary partial amendment route of adopting the new constitution is highly risky especially that there is no legal framework to protect the contents as submitted by the people.
The organization feels that the partial amendment route taken by Government to enact the new constitution using Parliament is against the wishes of the Zambian people.
NGOCC Board Chairperson Sara Longwe says her organization is gravely disappointed at the unfolding events which have completely ignored the voice of reason championing a more participatory and inclusive adoption process of the new constitutional order.
Ms. Longwe adds that it is undemocratic for the PF government to relegate the sovereign desires and wishes of the people of Zambia to a highly partisan grouping to decide their destiny adding that while appreciating the fact that the constitution gives legislative powers to Parliament, it does not give them power to write a NEW CONSTITUTION for the Republic.
She explains that their fears that the process would be hijacked have already been confirmed by some senior members of the PF in Parliament who are opposed to certain submissions as presented by the Zambian people in the draft constitution.
She notes that it is their contention that no representative, whether MP or other, has any legal or moral right to alter and/or change the submissions as made by those they represent who are the Zambian people.
Ms. Longwe says it is clear that the PF government is not well meaning in the whole constitution making process and is bent on trivializing the aspirations of the majority Zambians.
She has further reiterated that for the women’s movement in the country, a new Constitution without the expanded Bill of Rights as provided for in the Draft Constitution will be meaningless stating that NGOCC will therefore not relent in advocating for a new constitution that will have the aspirations of the Zambian people.