Government Publishes Bill 10 To Stop Speculation

The government has published the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019 in the Zambia Gazette. Justice Minister Given Lubinda has said this is to stop citizens from speculating about the contents of the bill and spreading misinformation. 

Announcing the publication during a press conference on Friday, Mr Lubinda urged the public to read the Bill in order to reassure themselves of its provisions. 

The justice minister described Bill 10 as the most inclusive and comprehensive refinement to the constitution in Zambia’s history. He dismissed calls for the bill’s withdrawal, arguing that the process for stakeholder submissions had lasted longer than usual.

Bill 10 has been the subject of heated controversy since its introduction last year, with several civil society organisations criticising the proposed legislation, including the Law Society of Zambia, Action Aid and Linda Kasonde’s Chapter One. 

Earlier this week the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops added their voice in opposition to the bill, arguing that it sowed unnecessary division in Zambia.

The bill contains a number of controversial clauses including the re-introduction of deputy ministers, allowing ministers to remain in office during the election period, and political interference in the appointment of judges. Opposition parties and civil society organisations claim these provisions are designed to strengthen the Patriotic Front’s grip on power ahead of next year’s elections. 

Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Minister Lubinda denounced such naysayers as not being ‘true to their conscience’. He said lubhe expected all members of parliament who had sat on the select committee for the bill to support it - regardless of political affiliation.