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(LUSAKATIMES) Constitution unlikely to be ready by 2011 polls – Dr. Simutanyi

Constitution unlikely to be ready by 2011 polls – Dr. Simutanyi
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 11:46

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CFPD) has expressed doubt at the possibility of Zambia having a new Constitution ready before the 2011 tripartite elections.

CFPD Executive Director Dr. Simutanyi told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, that there are a lot of things remaining for the National Constitution Conference (NCC) to put in place a new constitution that can be ready before 2011.

He explained that after the current deliberations, the draft constitution is supposed to be made available for public scrutiny before a final report is done.He said that this is to ensure that the document is made inclusive and reflect the diverse views being expressed by people around the country noting that it can be done through a plenary session.

Dr.Simutanyi said that only an amended constitution can be ready for use in the 2011 general elections. He however, advised Zambians to give the conference sufficient time for it to come up with a good document that will have the support of the majority and be able to stand the test of time.

He said the NCC is a legally established body that should be given enough time for it to reach its conclusion.

Dr. Simutanyi, who is also a political analyst, has further advised the NCC to concentrate on debating issues that are aimed at benefiting many people in the country rather than their individual interests.

He pointed out that the recent payment demands dating back as far as 2007 are not justified as there are many areas that need government’s support.

Dr. Simutanyi expressed sadness at the delegates demands to be paid over K5 billion saying that this will compromise their work.

ZANIS

Labels: CFPD, CONSTITUTION, DR NEO SIMUTANYI, NCC

posted by MrK @ 4:14 PM