Mumba says he is very encouraged that both the American Government and the Patriotic Front Government have agreed with the MMD position on the Constitution-making process as stated during the Presidential Debate on 15th January 2015 at Mulungushi Conference Centre.
Dr. Mumba said that owing to the challenging imperatives related to costs, logistics and public sensitization in at least 150 constituencies, it is almost impossible to enact the current draft Constitution before the 2016 General Election because it contains amendments to the Bill of Rights which require a Referendum to be held first. The Bill of Rights can only be legally amended via a Referendum.
This is why the New Hope MMD holds the view that political parties that had promised to enact the new Constitution before the 2016 elections were either insincere or just ignorant of how Government functions. In a statement released on 21st January 2015 in which Dr. Mumba conceded electoral defeat, he said,
A referendum requires planning, logistics, funding and sensitization of the public in every district which is difficult to do in 18 months…. A more realistic, practical and result-oriented approach is the MMD position of immediately taking separate important bills to parliament in order to address the following issues before the 2016 elections:
1. 50% + 1 electoral system
2. Presidential running mate
3. Reduction of the powers of the President
4. Freedom of Information and improved press freedom
5. The NGO Act
6. Public Order Act
7. Dual Citizenship
8. Cabinet from outside Parliament
9. Decentralization
10. Preventing parliamentary defectors from contesting seats for the life of the parliament they are in.
Dr. Mumba said the position of the party is to hold the referendum after the 2016 Elections to allow for proper planning and mobilization of all necessary resources.
On the size of government, Dr. Mumba said that he is concerned that rather than reducing the size of government especially in light of the escalating budget deficit, the government has maintained two deputy ministers in some ministries and has announced plans to split at least three ministries which shall result in additional costly appointments.
As stated in the MMD Ten Point Masterplan unveiled on 5th January 2015, the MMD proposed to reduce cabinet to 17 full ministers and only 27 deputy and provincial ministers, with one Permanent Secretary per ministry, all aimed at reducing the high cost of personal emoluments.
Nevers Mumba is just broke and wants a job from pf!
MMD with Dr Mumba is going nowhere.The man has lost direction,he doesnt know whether he is MMD or PF
Yes, it is a truism that with the short time remaining, it may be challenging to hold a referendum. How sweet this sounds to MMD and PF parties which have never supported the enactment of a new constitution for reasons known best to the individuals holding top positions in those parties. Who does not know that the MMD under the Late LPM (MHSRIP) and RB (now turned PF party active member despite having “retired” from active politics and getting his pension) were tossing the draft constitution from one hand to another like a live hot call. The PF party in opposition used the constitution change as a campaign issue until they were voted into power in 2011. Suddenly the need for a new constitution was no longer there for the leaders of PF. They had got what they wanted: POWER – and the new constitution contained clauses which sought to reduce that power by sharing it with the other wings of government:- Legislature and Judicature. Aaaagh NO. The current constitution was sufficient, the hitherto repugnant viz subordinate laws such as the Public Order Act suddenly became very attractive. The late Sata is on record of making a mockery of the new constitution. So brother Nevers, no one should be surprised at your position. Even after 2016 Zambians will not have a new constitution as long as the PF will be in power or MMD takes over. So far, the rhetoric from UPND sounds convincing. HH is already a rich man and may not be motivated by wealth to become President or so we hope. But then, now, there is talk for a convention to replace HH. Will the new UPND leader be motivated enough to enact a progressive constitution?? Only time will tell. In the meantime, its tough. But look at it this way; if a political vacancy such as that of member of parliament or president, the money is always found and time is sufficient to campaign. Why? Personal or Private interest is at stake. As for the constitution; this is a public issue for the benefit of the majority so-called common men and women. That is the sad reality Zambia faces. But how did the Kenyans and South Africans manage to enact new progressive constitutions within relatively short times? Let us ask ourselves this question as patriotic Zambians.
OH dear nevers is afraid of a new constitution……last time he said he is afraid of going to prison…..
Nevers sekwila Mumba bane ninkonko ikota he should just keep quiet! Job seekers
They went, they dealt and now they are blind to the fact that all it takes is political will. And Zambia continues to be a failed state
It is shit for Mumba,already desperate for a job from pf.all we want is a new constitution at all costs. Mumba is a now a political scrap and must be ready to be recycled somewhere else.
Who are Americans to determined our fate as Zambians. We need a new constitution before 2016. The challenges we are facing now is because we do not have a pro poor constitution. Nevers Mumba should know that challenges or problems cannot be postponed. Which one is better; to have a referendum or unprecedented bye elections? Many things have gone wrong in Zambia because we have people like Nevers who dont think and Americans who want to comment on anything.