Luapula Constituency Member of Parliament and PF Presidential Candidate, Eng. Chanda Katotobwe, says reintroducing Bill No. 7 under the current circumstances is unnecessary and unwarranted.
Eng. Katotobwe has emphasized that any constitutional amendment process should be grounded in integrity, transparency, and genuine national consensus.
In a statement, Eng. Katotobwe says it is a bad idea, and in bad faith, to introduce constitutional amendments when the nation is approaching a general election.
He says doing so creates the impression that the ruling party lacks confidence in its ability to win the forthcoming election.
“I am taken aback by the Government’s insistence to impose constitutional amendments on the people of Zambia. Doing so creates the impression that the ruling party lacks confidence in its ability to win the forthcoming election, and that it believes constitutional amendments are the only means available for it to retain power.” Explained Eng. Katotobwe.
He explains that it is not a secret that there is no constitutional crisis in Zambia.
“The proposed amendment bill appears unnecessary and out of place, and it does not address the pressing issues of poverty or the crisis faced by the health sector, where qualified medical doctors have no opportunity for training,” stated the parliamentarian.
He stated that the amendment process should not be driven by propaganda, misinformation, or attempts to create an illusion of transparency, national development, or prosperity.
He observes that in today’s world, propaganda cannot be mistaken for government performance or used as a measure of national progress.
He has praised the catholic bishops for stepping forward to defend the constitution.
“I acknowledge and stand with the church and most recently the Catholic bishops, the clergy and all those who have stepped forward to defend the Constitution. As a Catholic, I respect the social teachings of the church, which emphasise social justice and peace and respect all our Catholic Bishops who are the teaching authority.” The added the Luapula law maker.
