Referendum failure received with mixed feelings

Stakeholders have expressed mixed feelings on the failure of the referendum on the bill of rights.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan has described the failure of the referendum as unfortunate.

Ms Rogan however, states that this is not the end as the country can still work out other means of including the rights of citizens in the constitution.

She has encouraged all stakeholders to remain united and ensure these rights are given priority.

And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director Reverend Pukuta Mwanza has attributed the failure of the referendum to the campaign that was waged by some opposition political parties who were against the holding of the referendum alongside the elections.

Reverend Mwanza is only hoping that the executive will work out other means of adopting the remaining part of the constitution.

And former Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka says there is need to

re-strategize and ensure the expanded rights are enshrined in the constitution.

Meanwhile, Electoral Expert, MacDonald Chipenzi says the referendum has failed because government did not want to listen to the concerns raised by stakeholders.

He says government wanted to impose the referendum on the people without proper education and sensitization.