Some civil society organizations have strongly objected to attempts by members of parliament to make amendments to the national constitution.
Civil Society for Poverty Reduction CSPR and YALI, the Young Africa Leaders Initiative both say that the MPs should not be allowed to manipulate the national document.
CSPR Advocacy and Communication Programme Coordinator, Maxson Nkhoma says that the PF proposed amendments are a threat to democracy because they are ill conceived.
Mr. Nkhoma says that most of the progressive articles in the constitution were done with consultation of Zambians and cannot be reversed without their approval.
He says that CSPR will soon be holding a meeting with other stakeholders so that they can challenge any attempts meant to remove progressive clauses and add retrogressive clauses like appointment of deputy ministers.
Meanwhile YALI Governance Advisor, Isaac Mwanza says YALI has resolved to totally oppose maneuvers by Members of Parliament to amend the constitution barely a year after the President assented to the amended constitution on January 5, 2016.
Mr. Mwanza says that YALI passionately appeals to the President to exercise leadership and stop what he has described as selfish and self-serving efforts which will bring the name of the PF administration into disrepute.
He says that YALI believes that this is the time for the country to invest its energies in matters that will promote economic emancipation and not unnecessary political bickering and squabbling which is retrogressive to national development.