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{
    "id": 702549,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/702549/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 96,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2197,
        "legal_name": "Daniel Kitonga Maanzo",
        "slug": "daniel-kitonga-maanzo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to contribute to this very important constitutional amendment Bill. Even under Article 27(8), appointive positions have to progressively be compliant with the two-thirds gender rule. It is not possible to achieve that even with some of the appointments that we were involved in during vetting here. It is important that we progressively build consensus within this House because we are representatives of the people of this country. It is also good to move together with the whole country. If we move faster than the country, it may appear that we are failing to represent the people. One important area the law has to look at is political parties. Unless nominations through political parties are favourable to the two-thirds gender rule, we risk engaging in an exercise in futility for a long time. If you look at other jurisdictions in the world, you will find that the two- thirds gender rule was achieved over many years. This is the case even in very mature democracies. We are a nation of different cultural backgrounds and so, certain aspects of culture have to be considered. Therefore, we would definitely, as a nation, need sufficient time to grow in the system. We will need time to build it and educate people to lobby, especially through the political parties. This is because political parties control political processes. It is also good to empower women in the country through education. This is a process that can also take a long time. As much as I support the two-thirds gender rule and as much as there has been guidance by the courts, it is only fair that we move together as a nation. I urge Members to consider their The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}