This paper examines the underlying motive why Zambia’s ruling Party, Patriotic Front (PF) sponsored amending the Zambia Constitution through the now defunct Bill 10. Amidst a raft of sixteen amendments to the Constitution, was a Trojan Horse meant to give the President more power? The opposing United Party for National Development (UNPD) smelled a rat. Coming close to the 2021 General Elections it was feared that Bill 10 would allow the incumbent to run for an unconstitutional Third Term.
This essay argues that the real master stroke, which the opposition must have unmasked was to present the Constitution amendment in the manner of the Emperor’s new suit — a wolf in the sheep’s clothing of Zambia as a Christian Nation. Objective number one of Bill 10 is listed as, to “revise the Preamble in order to reaffirm the Christian character of Zambia.” Right there was the Trojan Horse in plain sight which since 29 December 1991 has been used to pull the wool over the Zambian people. The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has been opposed to this declaration from its inception, precisely for one main reason: its potential to abuse religion for nefarious political ends when religion meets politics. Thankfully, Bill 10 is now dead, but is it really buried?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- When Religion Meets Politics
- Bill 10 as a Trojan Horse and the Patriotic Front Bearing Gifts
- Object of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019
- The Emperor is Naked
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the complex relationship between religion and politics in Zambia, using the contentious "Bill 10" or The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 as a case study. The author argues that religion and politics are incompatible bedfellows, particularly when truth and justice are at stake.
- The symbiotic or adversarial relationship between religion and politics in Zambia.
- The impact of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation on its political landscape.
- The analysis of Bill 10 as a Trojan Horse designed to consolidate power.
- The role of religion in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion.
- The implications of the Bill's potential for undermining democratic principles.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The essay begins with a personal anecdote about the author's time in Rome, drawing a parallel between the relationship between Harry and Sally in the film "When Harry met Sally" and the complex dynamic between religion and politics. It sets the context for the essay by highlighting the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation in 1991 and its potential influence on political decisions.
- When Religion Meets Politics: This section explores the fraught relationship between religion and politics in Zambia, using Bill 10 as an example. The author emphasizes the potentially manipulative nature of politics and the importance of truth and justice in religion.
- Bill 10 as a Trojan Horse and the Patriotic Front Bearing Gifts: This chapter delves into the political controversy surrounding Bill 10, focusing on the accusations that the bill was designed to benefit the ruling party and undermine democratic principles. The author highlights the opposition's concerns and the potentially detrimental consequences of passing the bill.
- Object of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019: This chapter outlines the sixteen stated objectives of Bill 10, highlighting the seemingly innocuous nature of the proposed amendments while highlighting the potential for manipulation and power consolidation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key themes and concepts explored in this essay include religion and politics, Christian nation, Bill 10, constitutional amendment, democracy, political manipulation, power consolidation, Zambia, and the Patriotic Front (PF).
- Quote paper
- Dr Tarcisius Mukuka (Author), 2020, Dirge to a Zambian Constitutional Amendment. When Religion Meets Politics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/958698
