Lubinda Hits Out At Bill No.10 Critics

Minister of Justice Given Lubinda has criticised UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and NGOs for attacking Bill No. 10 without a precise cause.

Lubinda has defended the Bill, describing it as progressive and claiming that it protects young people and those living with disabilities.

The UPND is among those to object to the contents of the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10 on the basis that it strengthens the existing powers of the executive and President to the detriment of Zambia’s democracy.

Among the most contentious and concerning provisions in the Bill are the re-introduction of deputy ministers, the permitting of ministers to stay in office during elections and scope for interference in the appointment of judges. All of which opposition and civil society claim are designed not to benefit the citizenry, but to strengthen the PF’s grip on power ahead of elections next year.

The Bill also contains some worrisome provisions relating to Government’s economic and financial management, giving the President the power to contract debt without requiring parliamentary approval. This has served as another red flag ahead of elections. 

“If Bill 10 becomes law, there is a great danger that our democracy will be weakened, our separation of powers will be weakened, and then, there will be Executive powers that will be enhanced, which will cause an imbalance in the way the governance system is supposed to be,” Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President Eddie Mwitwa has previously stated.

The divisive Bill No. 10 of 2019 has been championed by Government as a necessary measure to address lacunas in the existing Constitution, but has been virulently opposed by several opposition parties and civil society organisations.

The Bill was restored to the Order Paper in December 2019, when opposition members of Parliament registered their disapproval with both its contents and the process by staging a walk out. It is now due before Parliament for its second stage reading.