Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Praising the contributions of NIMD and its partner, the Zambian Centre for Interparty Dialogue, Mr Banda said he would be willing to host a meeting with the leaders of all political parties to further advance the review process.

Preparations for the new constitution are well under way. The Constitutional Conference, which consists of 498 representatives from all sectors of the Zambian population, is working in 11 commissions on major changes, including a new electoral system, an independent electoral council, greater control by parliament over de government, financial guarantees for local governments, and the provision that a presidential candidate requires more than 50% of the votes in order to be elected.

A plenary discussion of the proposals will take place in May, after which a plebiscite on the new draft constitution will be held.

In the meeting with Mr Banda, the NIMD delegation discussed initiatives to engage the churches and civil society organizations in the review process, making it as inclusive as possible. A new constitution means a new contract between the Zambian state and its citizens. It is therefore important that this new constitution, the first complete redraft since Zambia became independent 45 years ago, is supported by as many Zambians as possible.