Civil society grouping says won't accept partial amendment to Zambia's constitution

A coalition of civil society organizations pushing for the enactment of a new constitution in Zambia has said it will not accept any partial amendment to the constitution, the Zambia Daily Mail reported Wednesday.

The Grand Coalition on the Constitution said it will engage other stakeholders, especially lawmakers, to stop the process.

New Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who promised to deliver a new constitution prior to last month's presidential election, recently said instead of having the entire constitution, the government would prefer amendments of some sections of the constitution.

But Father Leonard Chiti, the chairperson of the coalition, said it was unfortunate that the new government was pushing for a partial amendment of the constitution.

"We are concerned with the recent contradictory statements coming out of President Lungu on this important matter," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

He said the government should not hide under the guise of having no resources, adding that there were several stakeholders that were willing to fund the process of having a new constitution through the holding of a referendum.

According to him, it was apparent that the government was not willing to hold a referendum as a proper roadmap approved by many stakeholders. Endi