Muchinga province constitution convention opens

The second round of the provincial convention on drafting the constitution has opened in Muchinga Province with a call on delegates to avoid taking rigid positions if the country is to come up with a good constitution that will stand the test of time.

Muchinga Province Minister Charles Banda said the Patriotic Front (PF) government decided to employ the bottom up approach in the constitution making process in order to incorporate the aspirations of Zambians.

Mr. Banda was speaking when he officially opened the Muchinga Province constitution making convention in Mpika today.

He implored delegates to apply themselves fully and put aside personal and partisan interests if the process is to retain legitimacy.

Mr. Banda further urged delegates to put forward the views of the ordinary people which they submitted in the first draft constitution.

Earlier, Muchinga Province Technical Committee Leader Reuben Lifuka said the committee has scored a number of milestones since it was appointed by President Michael Sata in 2011.

Mr. Lifuka has however acknowledged that a lot of work still needs to done before a final draft is produced.

He said the technical committee has so far adhered to the terms of reference as provided by government in line with the submissions of Zambians in the previous constitution review commissions and similar processes.

The second rounds of provincial conventions are taking place simultaneously in Muchinga, Western, Northern and Luapula Provinces respectively.

This follows the successful holding of similar exercises in Central, North-Western and Copperbelt provinces late last year.