Prominent constitutional lawyer John Sangwa has strongly cautioned against any attempts to revisit the Zambian Constitution, insisting that the country currently faces more urgent priorities. Speaking at the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Annual General Conference on Wednesday, Sangwa expressed concern that efforts to amend the Constitution could divert attention and resources from the real issues affecting citizens—namely, economic hardship and social instability.
Sangwa, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event, did not mince words in questioning the government’s intentions, particularly its proposal to increase the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) at a time when the nation is grappling with financial constraints.
“Why are we talking about increasing MPs when the country is broke?” Sangwa asked pointedly. “This will only escalate public expenditure when we should be tightening our belts.”
He argued that the discussion around constitutional amendments lacks urgency and relevance, considering the current socioeconomic landscape. Rather than expanding Parliament, Sangwa urged stakeholders to channel efforts into strengthening the judiciary—an institution he said plays a more pivotal role in ensuring national development, justice, and constitutional integrity.
“If there’s anything that needs increasing, it’s the number of judges, not politicians,” he emphasized.
Sangwa also raised concerns that Zambia’s constitutional framework is under threat—not because of the document itself, but because of persistent attempts to manipulate it for political convenience. He warned that repeated amendments risk eroding the credibility and stability of the country’s supreme law.
“We cannot keep amending the Constitution each time there’s a change in political interest. That undermines the very purpose of having a constitution in the first place,” he said.
His comments were met with agreement from several legal professionals in attendance, many of whom echoed his concerns about misplaced priorities and the need for institutional reform over legislative expansion.
As Zambia continues to navigate economic headwinds, growing public debt, and calls for improved service delivery, Sangwa’s message struck a chord: now is the time for fiscal discipline, judicial empowerment, and constitutional respect—not political expansion.
“We must stop using the Constitution as a political playground,” he concluded. “The future of Zambia depends not on the number of MPs we have, but on the strength and independence of our institutions.”