Above: Journalists in Zambia reading a newspaper (Photo: BBC)A new draft constitution in Zambia prohibits legislation undermining media freedom and administrative behavour threatening media development, according to IPS
The National Constitutional Conference (NCC), consisting of some five hundred representatives "from all sectors of the Zambian population", is set to have a plenary discussion on its proposals in May. A referendum on a the final draft is expected to be held by December.
"Separate provision is made that categorically safeguards the freedom of the media while clauses in the current constitution on freedom of expression are also retained", said Mr. Amos Chanda, Vice President of The Press Association of Zambia.
Other constitutional changes being considered includes a new electoral system, an independent electoral council and greater control by parliament over the government, according to journalism.co.za.
"The NCC is to date the greatest window of opportunity for the country to begin repealing, amending and enacting progressive legislation in tune with credentials of a rather robust democracy that Zambia has become in the last 18 years of plural politics," Mr. Chanda said.
Mr. Webster Malido, chairman of the national Press Freedom Committee, said that if this legislature goes through, Zambians will be able to get all the information they are currently denied, according to allAfrica.net
"Journalists are currently working under difficult conditions as they do not have access to important information", Mr. Malido said.
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