We The People
Jubilee Centre January 22nd, 2010
The debate of 50%+1 currently before National Constitutional Conference (NCC) is one of the most regretful moments of this constitution making process. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of whether this nation shall have a constitution that begins with “We the people” or “We the government in power.” The magnitude of this subject demands that the commissioners quickly go back to the people they are representing to hear their views.
NCC commissioner Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo, in supporting the clause, stated that as a member 
of the Constitution Review Commission she had moved around the country and heard people call for a 50%+1 threshold. “I therefore support this clause because this is my opportunity to give Zambians what they have always wanted.” (Post, 15 Jan) Chieftainess Mukamambo understands that if we are to create a new constitution that shall shape Zambia’s destiny as a beacon of shalom to the world, it will need a government that derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.
The chief’s statement is significant in two ways. First, she is cleverly saying that in her position as chief she is not a master but a servant of her people. When last did you hear a commissioner say that he or she must represent the views of the Zambian people who sent them? WOW! The failure to appreciate the fact that ordinary Zambians are intelligent lies at the heart of Zambia’s political and economic backwardness and the reluctance of the commissioners to listen to the people. This could be the beginning of a new Zambia where government and traditional chiefs facilitate for the people who try on their own to invent solutions to their village and nation’s problems.
Second by her statement, the chief has sacrificed the treasures of this world that may have been accrued to her if she sided with the government by not supporting the adoption of the clause. The earthly blessings would have included praises and increased status from the government. The chief, by her decision to serve the majority of Zambians who want the clause to be adopted has chosen 
to give up her personal freedom, status, and maybe wealth. She may even pay the price of development support for her village. The chief has decided that giving the Zambian people the “We the People” constitution is worth the sacrifice.
As Christians we know that we are called to sacrifice the treasures of the world in order to point people to the cross. This sacrifice may require that we endure torture, mocking, humiliation, and even at times an excruciating death. However, Christians are called to acts of compassion, justice, and generosity. To do the work of justice may require political actions that serve to influence good in society. Please pray for Christian commissioners on the NCC that they serve as an influence for coming up with a constitution that shall not compromise Christian virtues but will also ensure that the preamble “We the People” make sense to every Zambian.
Lawrence Temfwe
