The United Party for National Development (UPND) has claimed that opposition to the ongoing constitutional amendment process is largely coming from older citizens.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka on Monday, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe says there is a clear distinction between the former Patriotic Front’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No.10 and the current Bill No.7 being advanced by the ruling party.
Mr. Simuuwe explains that Bill 10 proposed 117 amendments, which he described as an attempt to overhaul the entire Constitution, whereas Bill 7 seeks to amend only 13 clauses.
He has argued that Bill 10 contained provisions that would have expanded presidential powers and weakened mechanisms for holding public office bearers accountable.
Mr. Simuuwe adds that Bill 7 aims to enhance inclusive representation in Parliament by creating space for women, youths and persons with disabilities.
He has further noted that the amendments also intend to reduce the frequency of by-elections, which he says has been costly for the country.
He has dismissed assertions that the Constitution should only be shaped by the Oasis Forum, saying no law grants the Forum exclusive authority over constitutional matters.
He adds that it is misleading to portray the Forum’s positions as always correct while dismissing views from other stakeholders.
Mr. Simuuwe has also rejected accusations that the amendment process has lacked consultation, stating that if that were the case, the courts would not have thrown out an application challenging the process.
She says UPND has endorse Bill 7 in totality.
By Prudence Chota
