Copperbelt Minister Addresses Constitutional Provisions and Presidential Term Concerns
Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has stirred discussions by asserting that Zambia’s constitution includes provisions that could potentially allow a president to extend their term in office. Speaking to the media in Ndola earlier today, Mr. Matambo addressed concerns surrounding the constitutional framework and its implications for presidential tenure.
Mr. Matambo’s comments come in response to accusations from opposition figures who allege that President Hakainde Hichilema harbors intentions of extending his presidency to an eight-year term. According to Matambo, these allegations are unfounded and represent a distortion of President Hichilema’s recent statements. He criticized opposition leaders for what he described as deliberate attempts to mislead the public by misrepresenting the President’s position.
In his address, Mr. Matambo clarified that President Hichilema’s recent remarks in Parliament—where he suggested the possibility of Zambia not holding general elections for eight to nine years—were not an indication of his personal desire to extend his term. Rather, the President’s comments were a call to address and amend constitutional lacunas that could be exploited by future leaders to prolong their tenure. The aim is to close any gaps that might enable selfish or opportunistic leaders to manipulate the system for personal gain.
Matambo emphasized that these constitutional gaps need to be addressed to prevent potential misuse in the future. He urged critics and the public to review the constitution thoroughly and avoid spreading misinformation. The Minister’s statements reflect an ongoing debate about the interpretation of constitutional provisions and their implications for Zambia’s democratic processes.
In related news, Mr. Matambo also announced that President Hichilema is scheduled to visit the Copperbelt Province tomorrow. The President is expected to attend the Katanino Traditional Ceremony in Chief Nkambo’s chiefdom in Masaiti District. This event will see the participation of over 60 traditional leaders from various chiefdoms, highlighting the President’s engagement with traditional institutions and local communities.
The discussions around the Zambian constitution and presidential terms underscore the broader conversation about governance, transparency, and the integrity of democratic processes in Zambia. As the country continues to navigate these issues, it remains crucial for both political leaders and the public to engage with the constitutional framework constructively and transparently.
By Nonhlanhla Phuti.
Phoenix News
The best way to explain things is to give an example of a scenario.
Suppose a candidate withdraws at the last minute. ECZ is compelled to cancel the elections and call for fresh nominations. At the next date, another candidate also withdraws. How far can this go on? THAT is a lacuna in the constitution. Tell us ‘learned’ Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, what the situation would be?
The problem will arise when
“Zambia’s constitution includes a provision that postpones an election until Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo’s double chin disappears and his neck becomes visible.”
That could potentially allow a president to extend their term in office longer than eight years.
Lacunae are common in constitutions because the framers may not have envisaged a particular scenario. I suppose the founding fathers of the United States never expected that a convicted criminal would be so popular that they would be elected President of the US. They lived in an age of Puritan morality. They never expected that peoples’ morality would be so blunted that they could still elect a convicted s*x offender. They were happy to consider a black person less than a whole human being and women not to lead. Things changed.
This is why we always need a constitutional review.
If Trump is a criminal why is he not in jail?
Is there any need to change the American constitution to bar convicts from contesting those elections?
Has the Insurrection Clause not been enough to stop Trump from the November 6 elections?
Why is he still on the ballots? Political schemes to exclude opponents collapsed and he is enjoying marginal leads.
Osanyoza anzanu, bambo.
Donald Trump is still a suspect until proven guilty., no Court has convicted him
@My Zambia: Trump has already been convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to aid his position in the 2016 presidential race.
The sentencing was initially scheduled for July 11. Its been pushed back to allow the court to rule on his new claim that, his behavior as a candidate for president is immune from prosecution under the United States Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling.
That would extend presidential immunity for official acts. He has numerous more cases pending, including January 6 and the Maralago stolen documents
#Muntu
The classified Mar a Largo stashed documents’ case was quashed by the Florida judge.
Trump enjoyed prosecution immunity in 2021, and therefore can not be imprisoned for those orders he made on January 6, as agreed by the Supreme Court.
Paying Madam Daniels or anyone else hush-money to keep mouth shut is NOT illegal except that he was thrown under a speeding bus by his former lawyer for political motives.
Every ‘witch’ way, it is a witch hunt. Politics at play. Trump would not go to prison, but only made to pay a fine. Also, he will be a presidential winner over Harris.
@MyZambia
Presidential winner? The Americans arent that crazy. It will be Kamala by a mile
It doesn’t exist. LAZ have actually confirmed. If it was there you think Edgar Lungu who is a lawyer could have missed the opportunity? You guys if you are not careful you might end up in jail. August 12 2026 is waiting for you.
It doesn’t exist. LAZ have actually confirmed. If it was there you think Edgar Lungu who is a lawyer could have missed the opportunity? You guys if you are not careful you might end up in jail. August 12 2026 is waiting for you.
I see Wynter Kabimba misleading the president.
With the Stu.pid prize up for grabs, it is just possible that this lacuna can be exploited perpetually and create both a circus and a dilemma for the voters. So what is the redress? Allow a new candidate to just be added? Or forget about that party’s candidate to contest this round until the next elections five years hence (or by-election as the case may be?). Addressing a lacuna will open up a new one. I suppose the lacuna in the US has already been exploited before (read history of US Presidential candidates please). This did not necessitate addressing this as a lacuna. Let’s see how the 2024 elections play out in the meantime.
From the time UPND took to power, stories abound that they want to change the constitution to make them stay longer in power than necessary by extending tenure. It was termed Bill 10 reloaded. All these tricks you hear and see are part of that long-term original plan. We mustn’t be surprised at all.
So you think Zambian People will agree to that nonsense, the ballot paper will speak. You cant fool Zambians balicha their silence dosent mean they are stupid tou will be very supprised ask ba Unip.
Next will be the home affairs minister issuing a statement then information will come up with his usual rants these guys are jokers
I pity some of you Zambians, it is only if you are a blind. semi literate ignoramous that you cannot see what the president is saying is true.
@Whiteman respect Stevie Wonder, Lazarus Tembo, Ray Charles Spokes Chola and PK Chishala. Nzelu kuipa!
The constitution is very clear as to when and how we hold elections. Parliament will be desolved as per the day the constitution says and the elections will be held. If HH has performed has performed has he promised the Zambian people he will be voted him back. But as it looks today, Zambian people will vote for a frog. We have a failed president in all areas and you have less than two years to redeem your selves. HH should have talked about immediate electricity solutions, water, food, fuel and not imaginary Lucanas that he thinks can keep him in power for unbearably misery that Zambians are going through. Zambians are waiting for 2026. It is our only hope.
Pipo have both experience between the era of your god hh & ECL and pipo are not fools… i pray that hh will hand over power peacifuly. mmmmm
TSEK you LT
Pipo have both experience between the era of your god hh & ECL and pipo are not naive… i pray that hh will hand over power peacifuly
Me2 but not to Lungu