Lusaka – Zambia’s main opposition, the United Party for National Development (UPND), has asked the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to give clarity on minimum education requirement for Member of Parliament (MPs).
The opposition on Wednesday in Lusaka asked LAZ to give guidelines on the implication and interpretation of the provision in the amended Constitution of Zambia.
The provision has made it mandatory for one wishing to stand as MPs to have a minimum qualification of grade twelve certificate.
Edwin Lifwekelo, UPND Deputy Spokesperson, said that there was confusion and misunderstanding of the provision.
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He said the new constitution stated a minimum qualification of grade twelve, which could be interpreted to mean that one still qualifies to stand with other academic qualifications, even if one did not have a grade seven or grade twelve certificate.
“I have in mind people that never had the opportunity to do grade seven or grade twelve but have gone further to obtain a diploma or degree in other academic faculties.
“Do you disqualify them on account of not having a grade twelve certificate.
“We have doctors and academicians including politicians that never had a chance to do grade seven or grade twelve but have obtained a diploma or degree in other academic faculties,’’ he said.
The spokesperson said the provision said minimum qualification of grade twelve meaning one can still have other academic qualifications and thus qualify to stand as a Counselor, MP or President.
Lifwekelo appealed to the association to provide leadership on this matter and give a guide on the interpretation of minimum qualification of grade twelve.
“People have taken it that you specifically require a grade twelve certificate for you to qualify as a Counselor, MP or President, which I think is not the case. I stand to be corrected.
Lifwekelo noted that among new clauses in the amended Constitution which came into effect last week include the 50 plus 1 winning threshold for the president, the running mate and dual citizenship. (PANA/NAN)