By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
CABINET has approved the introduction of a Bill to Parliament to amend a section of the Referendum Act to make it consistent with an Article 79 of the Constitution of Zambia to enable the setting up a national referendum next year.
Acting Chief Government spokesperson Vincent Mwale said Cabinet had approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend Section 3 (1) of the Referendum Act of (1967), chapter 14 of the Laws of Zambia in order to bring it in conformity with Article 79 (3) of the Constitution of Zambia.
Mr Mwale said this when he briefed the media after a Cabinet meeting yesterday.
“The inconsistency is that the Constitution requires 50 per cent of persons entitled to be registered as voters to vote in a referendum, while the Referendum Act provides for all persons registered as voters in a Referendum to vote,” he said.

. Dr Simbyakula

Mr Mwale said Justice minister, Ngosa Simbyakula would make a comprehensive statement in Parliament in due course.
Cabinet was hopeful that all Members of Parliament would support the Bill so that a Referendum would be held next year.
Mr Mwale also said Cabinet had approved the appointment of members of the Zambia Law Development Commission and Dr Simbyakula would announce the names of the approved Commissioners.
Cabinet had also approved the contraction of an enhanced smallholder livestock investment programme loan from the International Fund for Agriculture Development worth US$12,000,000.
This is aimed at improving animal disease control.
Mr Mwale said Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda would address Parliament this week to outline measures taken to address the high cost of mealie-meal.