New constitution should be campaign issue - Fr Lungu

New constitution should be campaign issue - Fr Lungu
By Bright Mukwasa
Tue 21 June 2011, 04:01 CAT

A NEW constitution should be a campaign issue in this year’s election, says Fr Cleophas Lungu.

In an interview, Fr Lungu, who is Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) secretary general said a new constitution had been the loudest call Zambians had been sounding for a good time now.

“At whatever time any government would think of resuming the Constitution process, it should not be tailored to favour the people in power. It should ensure that the document is considering the upholding of the values that our people believe in.

The oneness in the country. Sustain the culture of peace, democracy and tolerance of opposing views,” said Fr Lungu in an interview.

“There is also need for continued debate on the Constitution. And sensible leaders should be able to listen to the cries of the people.

The culture of insults must be out of political debate. That should not be tolerated this year. There are serious issues that they should be looking at.”

And Fr Lungu said any investment that was coming in the country should ultimately benefit the people at the grass roots.

“Much as we welcome the investments that come into the country, we should be wary of the impact of these activities on the environment.

And the investment coming into the country, ensure the people benefit; these are God-given resources. We should ensure they are of benefit to the people and to the future generations,” he said.

Fr Lungu urged the government to introduce mining taxes that would bring about maximum benefits to the people.

“Shape your taxation in a way for the people to benefit from these resources,” said Fr Lungu.