Africa News

Zambian president promises new constitution within 90 days

Oct 14, 2011, 20:16 GMT

Lusaka - Zambia's new president pledged he would present a new constitution to the country within the coming 90 days, in a speech marking the opening of parliament on Friday.

'The draft constitution will be subjected to a referendum and subsequently presented to parliament for enactment,' said Michael Sata, who was elected to the presidency in September.

He said a committee was being formed to draft a new 'people- driven constitution,' without clarifying what exactly would be overhauled.

Sata ran for office on a ticket of promising jobs to young people and criticized foreign companies heavily during his campaign, particularly lashing out at Chinese firms.

He also pledged to tackle corruption, and since taking office has fired numerous top officials from government agencies and state companies, including the head of the anti-corruption agency.

'I am sounding a timely warning that my government has taken a zero-tolerance stance against corruption in both the public and private sectors,' Sata said.

'We will investigate any past acts of corruption by all those responsible and prosecute culprits within the due process of the law,' he told parliament.