Bill 7 ni kukurukukuru 02 kind of proposal – Remmy Kangwa, He wrote:
ABOUT BILL 7
Today I took time to understand a few things about Bill 7. It is an interesting proposal full of ideas, but also full of risks.
My first concern is the proposal to increase the number of constituencies and Members of Parliament. I’m still wondering what the architects of this bill had in mind. Is the goal real development, or is it a political strategy shaping Zambia in a specific direction?
From my basic understanding, an MP is a representative whose core duty is to make laws. So the real question becomes: Do we need more MPs, or do we need stronger local government systems and more workers on the ground? How would you want to have more MPs to develop the country yet the job is for local government?
Another concern is how this bill could influence the future political landscape. In a country where some opposition MPs and members are currently in legal battles and where the political ground is not very competitive, expanding constituencies may result in one party holding a vast majority. With such dominance, they could easily amend the Constitution in ways that shrink democratic space. By the time citizens realise the impact, reversing it could become extremely difficult.
With the kind of statements some ruling party members make often requiring the President to correct them, I genuinely wonder what could happen if such power was left in the hands of people who may not always act with restraint.
I’m also asking myself: why would a President in a democratic country want the power to appoint many MPs? Have the current powers suddenly become “too little”? Previous leaders managed well for over 60 years what has changed?
Another point: what has prevented women and people living with disabilities from participating in parliamentary elections? Is it the law itself, or is it the political parties that need to prioritise nominating them during their adoption processes?
Financially, the resources needed for these proposed MPs could employ over 20 doctors consistently, without salary delays. The same funds being used to push this bill could have supported students and young innovators who might already be working on solutions for our electricity crisis.
I will still say this: Zambia needs (jobs)not another version of Bill 10. We don’t need more MPs consuming resources that could empower local government workers and the many doctors who now feel discouraged after years of training.
Our priorities must reflect the real needs of the people.
Otherwise maybe I need to be schooled by someone here, otherwise Bill 7 ni kukurukukuru 02 kind of proposal.