CONRAD MWANGO
Lusaka
A CONSORTIUM of youth organisations has petitioned Parliament to abolish presidential term limits and remove the Grade 12 certificate requirement for candidates seeking election as Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors.
The Zambia Youth Organisation Consortium (ZYOC) submitted the petition to nominated MP Francis Kope for onward presentation to the National Assembly, proposing that the two requirements be scrapped.
The consortium comprises Youth for Dialogue, Youth Development Network, Ambia Young Women, Different Abled Youths Association, and Arise and Soar Zambia.
ZYOC chairperson Jacob Longwe said the organisations believe presidential term limits restrict citizens’ freedom to continue voting for leaders of their choice.
Mr Longwe also argued that the Grade 12 certificate requirement excludes individuals with leadership qualities who lack the academic qualification but wish to contest elections.
He said the consortium conducted consultations across the country before preparing the petition, which it wants Parliament to consider through a private member’s motion.
“The youths drawn from all parts of the country feel the presidential term limits are not suitable in the current democratic dispensation and want it together with the Grade 12 certificate requirements be abolished,” Mr Longwe said.
He said the proposals reflect concerns raised by young people regarding political participation and eligibility for elected office.
Receiving the petition, Mr Kope assured the organisations that he will personally initiate the process of having it presented before the National Assembly.
Mr Kope, who was accompanied by Itezhi-tezhi West MP Twaambo Mutinta and his Kaumbwe counterpart Charles Tembo, said the petition has been received as an expression of young people’s views on national issues.
He said young people have the right to contribute to discussions on the country’s democratic and electoral processes.
Meanwhile, Mr Mutinta said presenting the proposed motion in Parliament would allow lawmakers to debate the issues raised before a decision is made. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
