Parley setting a dangerous precedent by rushing Bills – Zimba

By NATION REPORTER LAWYER Jonas Zimba has accused the ruling UPND of attempting to entrench itself in power through a rushed and calculated legislative agenda ahead of the August 13 general election. Mr Zimba said if the UPND was genuinely popular, it would not resort to introducing “emotive” and potentially self-serving laws, including amendments to the electoral framework. “If indeed UPND is popular, there is no need to begin to do mathematical gymnastics. Level the playing field,” the lawyer said. Mr Zimba is concerned over the presentation of more than 70 Bills before Parliament, warning that the volume and pace at which they were being handled posed a serious risk to proper scrutiny and democratic governance. “The presentation of 74 Bills is a dangerous precedent. These amendments will not be properly scrutinised, and we risk passing laws that will have long-term consequences for the country,” he said. Mr Zimba singled out the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill as one of the most problematic, stating that some of its provisions were designed to disadvantage opposition parties. He further said the creation of new constituencies and the structuring of parliamentary seats appeared to favour the ruling party, describing the process as “mathematically calculated.” “They are playing a game which many people are not seeing. It is structured in a way that disadvantages others and consolidates their position,” the lawyer said. Mr Zimba also criticised the linkage of proportional representation to the presidential election, stating that such provisions could potentially exclude certain candidates from effectively participating in the electoral process. “These are things that ordinarily ought not to be there. They create uncertainty about what the future of our democracy will look like,” he said. Mr Zimba urged citizens and political players to remain vigilant and speak out against dangerous legislative trends, because Zambia belonged to all its citizens. “There is no other country we can go to. This is our home. We must protect it and ensure that we do the right thing,” he said. Mr Zimba warned that leaders pushing through controversial laws would ultimately be held accountable, saying history and natural justice would judge their actions. “People must know that what they are doing today will have consequences. They will pay dearly for the decisions they are making,” he said. Mr Zimba further called for restraint and national unity, cautioning against growing political tension and divisions in the country. “We cannot continue on this path. There must be a way for us to live together and respect each other as a nation,” he said. ENDS

Six appear in court over 94 ivory tusks

Court sets date for pre-trial conference in ...

Gambling must be regulated – docs

HH COURTS VOTE FOR UPND ‘ACROSS THE BOARD

LAZ OBJECTS NON-BAILABLE OFFENCES