Mvunga (1991)

1. PREAMBLE

   The commission recommends that the new constitution should contain a preamble incorporating values of national unity, democracy, transparency, accountability, good governance as well as upholding the equality of men and women and their rights to participate freely in the political, economic and social system.

   This is accepted. However, the wording in the preamble should include a declaration that Zambia shall forever remain a Multi-Party Democratic Sovereign State.

2. SOVEREIGNITY

   The commission observed further that all petitioners were in favour of the relation of a Republican form of Government and accordingly recommends that Zambia remains a Sovereign Republic.

   This is accepted.

3. FORM OF GOVERNANCE

   The commission recommends that Zambia should continue to be a unitary sovereign state comprising the present borders.

   This is accepted without the words ‘comprising the present borders’.

   The commission further recommends that The Constitution explicitly re-affirm the notion that in Zambia power belongs to the people who should exercise that power through appropriate democratic institutions.

   This is accepted.

4. LANGUAGE

   1. English as the Official Language

      The commission recognised the positive role, which the English Language has played and continues to play as a unifying factor in national integration. The commission therefore recommends the continued use of English as an official language.

      This is accepted.

   2. The use of Zambian languages.

   The commission was of the view that the question of which language to use in a particular locality or region is a complicated matter, which if not handled with proper caution could lead to political conflicts.

   This is accepted. However, although English shall be the official language in Zambia, other languages may be used as media of instructions in schools or may be made use of for administrative or judicial purposes. The use of other languages for legislative purposes is not accepted.

5. GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE

   Commissioners unanimously agreed that the future constitution should adopt a gender-neutral language. Further, the commission recommends that the government should progressively work towards adopting a gender-neutral language for all the laws of the Republic.

   This is accepted.

6. SEPARATION OF STATE AND RELIGION

   It was the commissions conclusion that Christianity or any other religion could be safely secured without any form of declaration and recommends that the Zambian Constitution should make it clear that Zambia should not adopt a State religion, but should remain a secular state.

   This is not accepted. The Constitution should provide in the preamble that Zambia is a Christian nation, which is tolerant of other religions.

7. NATIONAL SYMBOLS

   1. THE NATIONAL MOTTO

      The commission recommends that the motto ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ should be the national motto and should be reflected in The Constitution.

      This is accepted but it should not be included in The Constitution.

   2. THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

      The commission recommends the retention of the present National Anthem. It was the Commission’s view that since the details relating to the National Anthem are provided for in an Act of Parliament, any proposed change in the form and content is a matter that is best left to legislation.

      This is accepted and should also apply to the National Flag, National Emblem and the Public Seal.

   3. PUBLIC SEAL

      The commission recommends the retention of the present Public Seal.

      This is accepted as stated in 3.7.2.

   4. NATIONAL EMBLEM