“Renewed Commitment to Constitutionalism”
….Sinkamba states that the Oasis Forum is urging the New Dawn administration to furnish a comprehensive roadmap for the constitution-making process, which includes a separate national referendum to integrate the expanded Bill of Rights into the Republican Constitution.
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (03-04-2024) – The new Oasis Forum demands a clear roadmap on the constitution-making process from the New Dawn Administration, including a stand-alone National Referendum to incorporate the expanded Bill of Rights into the Republican Constitution.
Grace Sinkamba, interim Oasis Chairperson, told journalists at the media briefing called to announce the relaunch of the Oasis Forum, expressing concern over past constitutional processes being influenced by narrow partisan interests and emphasizing the urgent need for a durable constitution that reflects citizens’ aspirations.
She stated that the relaunch of the Oasis Forum, a collaboration of key organizations in Zambia including the Council of Churches in Zambia, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, the Law Association of Zambia, the Non-governmental Organization Coordinating Council, and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, signifies a renewed commitment to defend constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance in Zambia.
She emphasized the foundational importance of the rule of law to executive authority, citing Article 8 of the 2016 Amendment No. 2 to the Constitution of Zambia, which upholds constitutionalism and good governance as national principles.
Despite recognizing the importance of constitutionalism, Sinkamba acknowledges the challenges faced in the constitution-making process, expressing concern over the influence of partisan interests and the urgent need for a durable constitution that reflects the aspirations of citizens and guarantees their rights, including an expanded Bill of Rights.
She said the relaunch of the Oasis Forum reaffirms its commitment to advancing constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance through lawful means, including advocacy and collaboration.
She emphasized the significance of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance as essential pillars for national development and the welfare of Zambian citizens, highlighting these principles as fundamental values enshrined in the Zambian Constitution, essential for the country’s progress and the well-being of its people.
She emphasized the rule of law as crucial for democracy, advocating for equality under the law, transparency, an independent judiciary, and access to legal remedy, and also highlighted the principles of good governance, including accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and inclusivity, while urging the government to enhance the participation of women and vulnerable groups in governance.
She pledged to speak out and take action to ensure that Zambia benefits from these principles for its collective progress, reflecting the Forum’s insistence on transparency, inclusivity, and citizen participation in shaping Zambia’s constitutional future.