Chinkuli labels boycotting CSOs as double-tongued

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Ruling United Party for National Development Kanyama Member of Parliament Monty Chinkuli has accused some Civil Society Organizations and stakeholders who boycotted submissions on the proposed constitutional amendments of being double-tongued.”

This follows the recently concluded Technical Committee sittings, which drew high public participation as citizens and stakeholders turned up in large numbers to share their views on the country’s governance reforms.

However, while the committee received wide-ranging submissions, some CSOs stayed away and chose to boycott the process entirely.

Mr. Chinkuli says it is contradictory for the same groups calling for greater inclusion of women, youths, children and persons with disabilities in governance to refuse to make submissions to the Technical Committee.

He noted that Kanyama has faced discrimination for over 60 years and said marginalised groups urgently need a stronger voice in national decision-making.

He added that proportional representation offers the most practical path to increasing the presence of women, youths and persons with disabilities in Parliament.

The lawmaker argued that although Zambia’s laws do not bar these groups from contesting parliamentary seats, the political environment remains hostile, especially during campaigns where credible women and persons with disabilities face insults and stigma.

Mr. Chinkuli said NGOs often advocate for broader representation in caucuses with parliamentarians, yet some of the same organisations are now boycotting the constitutional amendment process a stance he says raises questions about their true intentions.

He emphasised that the Government’s leave no one behind agenda requires full participation from all stakeholders and urged CSOs to engage in the process rather than shun it.

Ends...............

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