Zambians urged to vote yes in referendum

Zambians have been called upon to vote yes in the referendum on the Bill of Rights that is to run alongside the August general elections.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is urging Zambians to do so in spite of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) refusing to simplify the referendum question.

Isaac Mwanza

Governance advisor Isaac Mwanza says his organization believes  that ECZ should have taken time to consult on the question and on symbols being used for the YES and No votes.

Mr. Mwanza says YALI is of the view that the Eye and Ear do not portray any sign of agreeing or disagreeing to warrant an either yes acceptance or no as for rejection.

He states that his organization is however calling on citizens that despite these lapses and lack of clarity on the question they must vote still vote Yes in the referendum.

Mr. Mwanza says this is because this referendum is about the need to strengthen the Bill of Rights and ensure these rights become justifiable in a court of law.

He notes that Zambians must understand that their failure to vote Yes leaves the country with the same old Bill of Rights and a Constitution which can still be easily altered by Members of Parliament.