A joint statement by Civil Society Organizations – CSO’s have called for the rejection of Bill No.10 by well meaning members of parliament stating that Zambia is not in a constitutional crisis hence debates should instead be focused solutions to the current economy crisis.
Meanwhile, the constitutional amendment bill 10 come up for the second reading in parliament on December 3, 2019 and CSO’s have appealed to elected representatives in parliament not to vote for the enactment of the bill which is termed to be wrong and not in the interest of Zambians as it does not represent their aspirations.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on December 2, 2019 attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, a governance analyst Pamela Chisanga explained that Zambia is currently undergoing an energy crisis which has weakened the country’s economy hence it would be unfortunate to debate about the bill No.10 when leaders should be debating about solutions to the current and urgent economic hardships.
She added that some parts of the country are still experiencing hunger situations and finding a way to solve such problems would be appropriate unlike voting for a bill which is meaningless and meant to keep “some people” in power.
And Transparency International Zambia – TIZ Executive Director Wesley Chibamba said Bill No. 10 removes the National Assembly’s ability to ensure that Zambia does not contract more debt than it can afford adding that debt levels are already rising to new levels that is currently chocking service delivery and governance is having serious challenges in fully meeting its financial obligations.
“This will make us even more poorer than we already are hence we need money for education, health and public services and yet, all we see are new expensive roads, mansions and luxurious cars,” he said.
Chibamba added that the bill further increases powers of the president which is a problem because Zambians have the power to decide how they want to be governed hence the power is under threat.
At the same event, Zambia Congress of Trade Union – ZCTU Sectary General Cosmas Mukuka said there hasn’t been enough consultative processes on bill No. 10 and that citizens have not been engaged to take part hence the bill does not consider the plight of Zambians. He said there is need to fully engage citizens on the matter so they could make informed decisions if the current debates are to be meaningful.
The Government has however stated that the final bill 10 has gotten rid of all contentious issues after review by the parliamentary select committee. The bill debate has since been adjourned to February 2020.
