Controversial National Dialogue Bill passes

The highly contentious National Dialogue Bill today passed its third reading and is now awaiting Presidential assent for it to become law.

But civil rights activist Brebner Changala has described the just passed National Dialogue Bill as illegal, unconstitutional and an assault on human decency.

The bill, that has been roundly criticised by opposition political parties, civil society organizations and the three church mother bodies, was tabled for the third reading by Justice Minister Given Lubinda in the early hours of today.

The bill that was first tabled in Parliament Last month, seeks to provide a forum to facilitate the amendment of the constitution, public order act, electoral laws and regulation of political parties.

This was after the bill passed the Second Reading and went through committee stage with amendments.

The bill was put to a vote following intense debate by members of parliament which saw the ruling PF amassing 91 votes while the opposition polling 52 votes.

At the time of voting only 146 MPs were present and participated in the voting.

But civil rights activist Brebner Changala says the just passed National Dialogue Bill is illegal, unconstitutional and an assault on human decency.

He says the bill flies in the face of the Bill of Rights where one has a right to associate, assemble and coerce others to understand ones view point.

“This just passed bill criminalises associations or parties that stop their members from participating in the national dialogue,” Changala said, wondering why the National Dialogue should be a forcing matter that needed the support of an Act of Parliament.

“Therein lies the treachery of the framers of the bill. No decent political party or leader can support such an act that is meant to preserve the interest of one person (President) and his political party (PF).

“PF is using the arrogance of numbers in parliament to abuse the legislature to pass laws against the people of Zambia in order to hold the entire nation hostage as we approach the general election.”

Changala reminded the PF that what goes round comes round and will soon be caught up in their own treachery.

“They (PF) have impoverished the country, looted the treasury and now they are abusing our sovereign and birth rights through the wanton abuse of the legislature,” Changala said.

Download the National Dialogue Bill here