CSO’s against NGO Bill passing

Zomba Civil Society Organizations Network has expressed concern over the newly amended non-governmental organization (NGO) bill saying it is aimed at weakening civil society groups.

In a statement signed by chairperson for the group, Sammy Aaron, the CSOs have said the bill is in conflict with the constitution.

The statement mentioned Section 32 of the Constitution which provides for right to association as being infringed upon by some points highlighted in the bill.

“CSOs have taken note of Section 36 of the bill which provides for criminal charges against CSOs board, chief executive officer and managers if anything goes wrong,” Aaron

The group say they feel like this is just a way of weakening the CSOs as many people would refrain from taking these position.

The statement further said that parliament undermined the rule of law as it proceeded in deliberating and passing the bill when there was a stay order from the Supreme Court.

The CSOs have since asked the president not to assent to the bill, faulting the process in which the bill was passed.