Take advantage of US offer, FODEP urges government

Take advantage of US offer, FODEP urges government

Lusaka, January 29, 2014—The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has urged government to take advantage of the offer by the government of the United States of America to assist with funding the referendum in the constitution making process.

FODEP Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi said government should quickly take up the offer so that it delivers a people driven constitution in the soonest possible time.

In a telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Chipenzi said government will not have any excuses for failing to enact a constitution that meets the aspirations of the Zambian people.

He said government should put aside self interests and request for assistance from the US government and the donor community to immediately hold a referendum.

Mr. Chipenzi commended the US embassy for the offer and urged government to take up the opportunity and make the request to the embassy so that people can have the constitution.

Recently, US Embassy Charge de Affairs David Young said his country was ready to assist if the request was made by Zambian government.

Mr. Young stressed that his country would remain committed to supporting avenues and processes that allow for effective participation of Zambians in the constitution making process.

Secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska recently told parliament that holding a referendum was too costly to Zambia and would paralyze the government if undertaken.