‘State aware of need to expedite..
By CHAMBO NG’UNIVICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda says Government is conscious of the need to expedite the constitution-making process.
Mr Kunda said in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday when he addressed a public rally that there is a provision which permits the NCC delegates to decide on expediting the process.
“If it means amending the NCC Act to expedite the process, we shall do that. We need to expedite the process,” he said.
Mr Kunda said delegates will decide whether to amend the Constitution or to go to a referendum as this is part of the NCC law which is being used in the process.
He said the MMD is a democratic party, which accords Zambians to decide the type of Constitution they want.
Mr Kunda said even if some sections of society are advocating the 50 percent plus one vote clause for a winning presidential candidate, the simple majority of electing a President is what the country has been using and there has not been any problem.
Mr Kunda wondered why opposition Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata is now championing the 50 percent plus one vote clause.
“Mr Sata has also forgotten his debate on the 50 percent plus one clause. In 1996 in Parliament, he debated against the 50 percent plus one mode because he wanted the simple majority of electing the President. Now he has changed. Why did he not reject this clause in 1996?” Mr Kunda asked.
He said good ideas are coming out of the NCC which will help Zambia to remain a peaceful country.
Mr Kunda said the new Constitution will be about promoting development, ensure equitable development in the country and strengthen the governance system in the country.
He said Mr Sata did not want to participate in the NCC because he has no capacity to debate issues.
Mr Kunda said this is why he decided to expel PF members of Parliament who decided to participate in the NCC.
And Mr Kunda has said Zambia’s co-operating partners are happy with the way Government is managing the economy of the country.
Mr Kunda said this yesterday at Kembe farm institute in Chibombo when he addressed a public meeting.
He said Zambians should not be cheated by the PF and United Party for National Development (UPND) pact that if they were elected, they would prudently manage the country’s resources and develop the country.
He said because of Government’s effective management of resources, cooperating partners are happy and have continued to support the country.
Mr Kunda said Mr Sata and his UPND counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, are not interested in developing Zambia, but interested in power.
Mr Kunda said at no time should Zambians entrust the country in the hands of the pact.
He accused Mr Sata of failing to deliver while in Government.
He also said Government is spending a lot of money to construct health centres and schools and improve the state of feeder roads in rural areas.
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