‘State for good Constitution’

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has assured that the Government will deliver a people-driven constitution through collaboration with other stakeholders.

Mr Sata said when he addressed Parliament yesterday, the consultative process had been completed and the final draft constitution was expected by the end of the year.

Giving the Government’s position on governance and administration, the President said his administration would uphold the rule of law including separation of powers among the three arms of Government.

“I want to assure the Zambian people that our Government has no intentions whatsoever to turn this country into a one-party state,” he said.

He said the fight against corruption remained one of the priorities on the good governance agenda.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) would be strengthened and decentralised to effectively execute its mandate, while a special investigations unit had already been set up to deal with complex financial crimes.

Mr Sata said the Government had fulfilled last year’s commitment to establish the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to ensure accountability and level the playing field in the broadcasting industry.

“I am pleased to inform this august house that our Government has fulfilled its promise and the authority is now operational,” he said.