Vice President Mutale Nalumango has refuted claims that the Zambian government intends to extend the presidential term through constitutional amendments. She clarified that the ongoing constitutional review process is aimed at addressing governance issues in a transparent and inclusive manner.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Mrs. Nalumango reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional reforms, emphasizing that the amendments are intended to benefit citizens. She assured that the process is not being driven by any hidden political agenda.
Responding to a question from Mkaika Member of Parliament Peter Phiri, who sought clarification on the urgency behind the amendments, the Vice President stated that the primary objective is to enhance citizen participation in governance. She reiterated that a more inclusive and representative constitution would strengthen Zambia’s democracy.
When questioned about prioritizing constitutional reforms over the pressing economic challenges, such as the high cost of living, Mrs. Nalumango maintained that the government remains focused on economic recovery. She pointed to previous statements made by President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration outlining measures to address the economic hardships faced by Zambians.
Meanwhile, governance and elections expert Stanley Mhango has emphasized the importance of ensuring that the constitutional amendments reflect the recommendations made by civil society organizations and opposition political parties. He highlighted the significance of past reform efforts, particularly the Mwanakatwe and Mung’omba commission reports, which laid the groundwork for constitutional review.
Mr. Mhango further noted that the development of the green paper—an initiative that involved collaboration between the United Party for National Development (UPND), the Patriotic Front, and civil society organizations—serves as a strong foundation for the reform process. He urged all stakeholders to work together towards achieving comprehensive and inclusive constitutional amendments.
As Zambia moves forward with its constitutional review, the government continues to assure citizens that the process will be transparent and aligned with national interests. However, stakeholders remain watchful, calling for meaningful public participation to ensure that the reforms genuinely serve the country’s democratic development.