Constitutionalism in Zambia: past, present and future

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Periodical article

Title:	Constitutionalism in Zambia: past, present and future
Authors:	Ndulo, Muna B. Kent, Robert B.
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Journal of African Law
Volume:	40
Issue:	2
Pages:	256-278
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zambia
Subjects:	democracy constitutional reform
Abstract:	This article examines the making, alteration and unmaking, of Zambia's constitutions - the 1964 Independence Constitution, the 1973 Constitution of the Second Republic (the one-party State), the 1991 Constitution of the Third Republic, and the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act, 1996 - outlining significant features and focusing in particular upon the methodology of change and the extent to which that methodology has served the aspirations of democracy. Since the 'referendum to end referenda' in 1969, every constitutional change in Zambia has been effected by an Act of Parliament. It is here that change is imperative. Whether the initial proposal to amend the constitution comes from a constitutional review commission, a constituent assembly or a convention staffed with experts, the execution of the process must be through a procedure such as the referendum which maximizes the achievement of as broad a national consensus as possible. Notes, ref. (Also published in: Zambia Law Journal, vol. 30 (1998), p. 1-28.)