DEMOCRATIC UNION PRESIDENT CRITICIZES MPs OVER “BAD LAWS”
Opposition Democratic Union Party President, Ackim Njobvu, has described the current crop of Members of Parliament as betrayers who comfortably passed what he termed as bad laws without consulting the people they represent
Mr. Njovu says it is unfortunate that many lawmakers no longer consider the views and concerns of their constituents when making decisions in Parliament.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Njovu stressed that Members of Parliament are elected to represent the interests of the people and should therefore consult citizens before supporting or rejecting any legislation.
Mr. Njovu said bills presented in Parliament are not merely meant to be read, but must also be carefully reflected upon, with lawmakers seeking guidance from the people they represent before taking positions.
“Citizens must be alive to the fact that they need to be consulted, and our prayer is that these MPs are not given another opportunity in the upcoming elections because they are not representing the people in their constituencies,” said Mr. Njovu.
He cited the recently passed Public Order Bill, which prohibits gatherings of seven or more people without a permit, as an example of a law that has only changed in name but remains unprogressive.
Mr. Njovu said many citizens had hoped for reforms that would improve democratic freedoms rather than restrict them.
He further appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema not to assent to what he described as bad laws passed by “excited MPs.”
📸Akim Njobvu
By Margaret Mwanza