Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
ULP President Sakwiba Sikota
United Liberal Party (ULP) President Sakwiba Sikota is cheered that most of the provisions Zambians wanted to be included in the new constitution have been passed by Parliament through constitution amendment bill.
Mr. Sikota has cited the 50+1 presidential winning threshold and the debt contraction clauses as some of the critical provisions he thinks make the first step towards getting the greater prize people have been seeking.
Mr. Sikota tells QFM that the new amendments to the republican constitution will reduce the necessity of having by-elections.
But Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) Executive Director Boniface Cheembe is disappointed that instead of having a whole new constitution, Zambians will be presented with an amended constitution.
Mr. Cheembe has told Qfm News in an interview that the amendments to the constitution bill have taken away some of the provisions the people of Zambia wanted.
He has cited the rejection of the clause on mixed member proportion representation as one such provision that has gone against the spirit of having a people driven Constitution.
And Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi has observed that with the amendments made to the constitution bill, Zambia will essentially remain a one party State.
Mr. Chipenzi says his organization fears that the Executive arm of government will also continue to be dominant on the Legislature and the Judiciary.
He has told Qfm News that the rejection of the clause that provided for the appointment of Ministers outside Parliament has brought in question Zambia’s commitment to the separation of powers.
Mr. Chipenzi adds that the rejection of this clause has also questioned the commitment to the fight against corruption.
Reverend Pukuta Mwanza
And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Executive Director Reverend Pukuta Mwanza has commended Members of Parliament for passing the constitution amendment bill number 17 of 2015.
Reverend Mwanza has expressed hope that the final outcome will reflect the wishes of the Zambian people.
Meanwhile Reverend Mwanza has encouraged Zambians to remain steadfast and pray for the country, declaring 2016 as a year of divine advantage and liberation.