By CATHERINE NYIRENDA –

POLITICAL parties and the civil society organisations have welcomed the decision by Cabinet to approve the introduction of the Referendum (Amendment) Bill of 2015 in Parliament to amend the Referendum Act to bring it in conformity with the Constitution.
The Grand Coalition in support of the people driven constitution, the Zango Youth Consortium and some opposition political parties said the decision by Cabinet was welcome.
Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula who is also Acting Chief Government spokesperson announced on Monday that Cabinet had approved the Referendum Amendment Bill to conform it to the Constitution regarding the eligibility criterion for voting in the national referendum.
Grand Coalition chairperson Leonard Chiti said the move was long overdue as it inspired confidence in the Constitution making process.
He said the coalition was agreeable that the provision in the 1967 Referendum Act was in conflict with the Constitution making process.
“Although it has come late, it is the right thing to do, our interest at the moment is to see what would be changed and what will remain, whether the voting threshold will be lower as the current one, the provisions are too high,” Father Chiti said.
He said the coalition was also hopeful that it would reach a consensus with the Government on the time frame for holding the national referendum.
“We are all agreeable that a referendum should be held but what has not been agreed is the time frame, otherwise the approving of the Referendum Bill is in the right direction,” he said.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy Secretary-General Kuchunga Simusamba said what was now cardinal was the timing when the referendum would be held.
He said the UPND did not agree to hold the elections with the referendum at the same time on account that it might compromise the process by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said the changing of the Act was long overdue.
“The FDD is hoping that the impasse on the Constitution process is addressed. President Edgar Lungu should meet stakeholders to agree on the mode of adoption of the Constitution,” he said.
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) spokesperson Raphael Nakachinda called for transparency in the process so that people were informed during the entire development.
“This Referendum Bill is meant to enable the PF to enact the Constitution through Parliament,” he said.
ZYC chairperson Kayimbo Katengo said the decision by Cabinet to approve the amendment of the Referendum Act showed the Government’s commitment to deliver a people- driven Constitution as demanded by citizens.
Mr Katengo appealed to Zambians to remain hopeful and calm because the Government would deliver on its promise for a new Constitution that would stand the test of time.
“We strongly implore, His Excellency President Edgar Lungu to continue with his determination in directing his Cabinet to meet people’s expectations,” Mr Katengo said.
He said it was inspiring to the nation that progressive outcomes were being announced from Cabinet meetings.