Pressure Groups Petition Speaker Over Bill 10

Pressure groups, including the Women’s Movement for Development, Authentic Advocates for Justice and Democracy, and UPND Youth groups from Kafue and Senanga, have petitioned Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini to ensure that MPs participate in the debate over Constitution Amendment Bill 10.

The petition was received by eight MPs from the Patriotic Front, UPND, FDD, MMD, and Independent parties, promising to pass it on to Dr Matibini. 

Bill 10 has been the source of heated controversy in recent months, with critics arguing that it would undermine Zambia’s democracy by massively extending the powers of the executive, reintroducing deputy ministers and allowing government ministers to remain in office during election periods. The bill has been opposed by the Law Society of Zambia (LAZ), Action Aid and others. 

One of the MPs to receive the petition, Dr Jonas Chanda of the PF, said he could not understand why so many from across the political spectrum were opposed to the bill as it contained many important clauses.

“Zambia s a Christian Nation. We don’t want men marrying their fellow men, women marrying their fellow women. That’s why the Bill is saying that Zambia will be called a Christian Unitary Republic. Christians should be happy and defend the Bill,” he said. 

The public relations director for Authentic Advocates for Justice and Democracy, Samuel Banda, said that Zambians should not tolerate MPs who quash debates in the house. He argued that Bill 10 was not about the PF, UPND or any other political party but about the interest of all Zambians.