Peaceful protests for new constitution before 2006

At least 3,000 Zambians reportedly gathered on Thursday in Freedom Square in the capital, Lusaka, to pressure the authorities to enact a new constitution before elections in 2006. "It was a peaceful protest and we have had a very good response," Reverend Japhet Ndhlovu, a spokesperson for the NGO coalition, Oasis Forum, told IRIN. "At the same time, we are continuing with our efforts to hold talks with the government." The protestors marched through the city earlier in the morning and then gathered at Freedom Square where they were addressed by various opposition and civil society leaders, whom the government this week labelled "power-hungry" politicians. Patrick Chisanga, a spokesman for the opposition United Party for National Development, described the protests as "hugely successful" and added, "We will continue with countrywide protests in the coming weeks." Civil society and opposition groups have been holding demonstrations around the country during the past two weeks - at least 68 people were arrested in Lusaka on 20 December after the police declared their protest illegal. Zambia's new constitution is being drafted by a Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) appointed in 2003 by President Levy Mwanawasa. Although the CRC says a draft will be ready by March 2005, Mwanawasa has called for a document that stands the test of time and does not expect it to be promulgated before 2008. "The CRC was not appointed for the 2006 elections, it was appointed because the people of Zambia have demanded a good constitution," CRC secretary-general Villie Lombanya was quoted as saying. However, opposition parties have argued that a new constitution was needed to level the political playing field ahead of the polls, dilute executive powers, and state that a presidential candidate should win by more than 50 percent of the vote.