Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Patriotic Front Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa has moved a motion in Parliament seeking to amend the constitution.
In his private member’s motion, Mr Mwewa wants Parliament to urge Government to amend the constitution so as to provide for membership of Members of Parliament to local Councils and also to remove lacunas in the constitution.
Rodgers Mwewa
Mr Mwewa has proposed among other amendments that the constitution be amended so that the election of the president reverts to the simple majority system from the current 50% plus one vote system.
Mr Mwewa says under the current constitution, there is no link between members of parliament and councils.
Mr. Mwewa says the inclusion of members of parliament in the membership of the council will ensure a well coordinated approach to development at all levels within the context of decentralization.
He explains that local government is the sphere of government that is closer to the people and so as representatives of the people, they need to have an input in the decisions that the council makes.
Mr. Mwewa stresses that the exclusion of the members of the parliament in councils is detrimental to the development of the constituencies they represent.
By broadcast time Members of Parliament were still debating the motion with PF Members of Parliament in support of the motion while those from the UPND are opposed to the motion.