AS expected the proposal to amend the constitution has generated considerable debate. Indeed as expected the opposition has vehemently opposed as their default mode even before the full extent of the amendment have been proposed by the government. The ruling party has applauded the amendments but the general polity is divided. As for the opposition, the rather inauspicious ‘Miles Sampa’ debacle and resultant defection of Members with Mr. Chabinga et al spells imminent manipulation of the Constitution as the ruling party has gained sufficient numbers to bulldoze any amendments. The opposition default position therefore is to oppose. The polity is divided, uncertain regarding the motivation of the amendments. What is clear thus far is that the ruling party can ride roughshod and pass the amendments, leaving behind the opposition and indeed the polity. Clearly this will be an abrogation of the democratic tenets that this country aspires to. However this need not be the situation. […]
Constitutional Amendment controversy
