Government Pledges Inclusive Constitutional Amendment Process After Public Backlash
In a notable reversal, the Zambian government has announced that the constitutional amendment process will now be guided by the demands of the people, following widespread criticism over its earlier secretive approach. Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune, made the announcement today, assuring citizens that the process will no longer be influenced by a pre-drafted document prepared by unnamed individuals.
“The constitutional amendment process will be driven by the demands of the people, not by a secret draft process already done by unknown people,” Kasune declared during a press briefing. This statement comes amid mounting pressure from civil society organizations (CSOs), political stakeholders, and the general public, who accused the government of sidelining citizens in a matter of national significance.
The government’s initial approach had sparked sharp criticism, with many drawing parallels to previous instances where President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration had crafted major national policies behind closed doors. Notable examples include the draft cybersecurity, hate speech, and cybercrime bills, which were withdrawn from Parliament following a public outcry. Although the bills were pulled from the floor of the House, President Hichilema has since indicated plans to reintroduce them, raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
Similarly, the introduction of new currency notes, including the high-value K200 and K500 denominations, faced backlash for being implemented without adequate public consultation. These incidents have fueled skepticism about the government’s dedication to open and participatory governance.
Minister Kasune acknowledged the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach, emphasizing that the constitutional amendment process must align with the provisions of Zambia’s laws and the will of its citizens. “We have heard the concerns of the people, and we are committed to ensuring that this process is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the aspirations of all Zambians,” she said.
The government’s decision to backtrack on its initial approach marks a pivotal moment in its relationship with the public. However, questions remain about the sincerity of this shift, given the administration’s history of reverting to secretive methods.
Civil society organizations and political analysts have cautiously welcomed the announcement but stressed that actions will speak louder than words. “The Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and any changes to it must be transparent, inclusive, and driven by the will of the people,” said a representative from Chapter One Foundation.
As the government prepares to embark on a more consultative process, the onus is now on President Hichilema and his administration to demonstrate their commitment to genuine public engagement. The Zambian people, who have long demanded a voice in shaping their nation’s future, will be watching closely to ensure that this promise is not another empty gesture.
source:
Princess Kasune
Minister of Justice
Republic of Zambia
Insoni ebuntu…!!
She is so disappointing. We expected that she will free all female prisoners, here we go she start undressing on constitution.
Just withdraw the constitution amendment for
Now as we have so many priorities and why
Waste resources into this.Most Zambians are
Not in support of it.
Most news media putting out conflicting statements ??
What to believe
My submission to the constitution review process after elections in 2026 is that there must be a clause to stop boasting and self praise from all politicians in Zambia. This is to stop our leaders going to foreign countries and start denouncing and demeaning all the past Presidents and self praising themselves like we saw the embarrassing incident in Egypt.
And even opposition political parties must be stopped from self praise like that Zambia we want spokesperson who keeps reminding us that he was special assistant to Dr Kaunda which we are not interested to hear, or Nevers who keeps saying he was Vice President – a ceremonial job which does not even require thinking but just being delegated to . Can’t you even see the general answers which vice Presidents give in Parliament in Zambia which do not even require an iota of thinking
Meanwhile Hamasaka (mealie meal bag) from State House has announced: AFTER CONSULTING ALL ZAMBIAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONSENTED TO THE AMENDMENTS THE STATE WILL GO AHEAD.
..and Zambians will answer the same way they did to Bill Number 10 of 2020.
Why he wants it now is that he feels he has enough MPs as seen from induced bye ERections.
imagine someone agreeing to the lie that youths will have their representation in Parliament. I just told him there’s no such thing. If the Upnd want such type of representation they must adopt the youth, the handicapped and women on their party ticket for 2026
Not the lies being peddled to hoodwink the gullible.
2026 is is still far from cut and dry
NOTE GRZ “PLEDGES” !!! How many pledges have Investors and indeed Grz told us about
100’s ++ ??
What’s to show for it ???
This is self defeat. If what you want to do can not be done after elections, then you are telling us that you won’t make it past that mark. Otherwise let’s wait. Imposing it on people, they may suspect foul play. If a man forces himself on a woman without her consent, it is sexual abuse. Ra+pe.
Please advise the President Zambia is not his house it’s our country
Expiry date of mandate quickly approaching, remember that panic when you are not ready for an exam, appears constitution could be the straw to clutch on by this drowning man.
Constitution amendments will only be done after the elections when there will be enough time to get submissions from a wide range of people all over the country.
What do we want to amend in this constitution, like clauses?
If these guys try to dictate, show them the door.
History 2.0 is ready for reboot. Get your banners and walking boots ready. Bill 10 must fall … replace ‘Bill 10’ with whatever this will be called.
HH is now desperate to change the constitution. The man can’t be trusted with such an important national document at the 11th hour.
The reasons forwarded for wanting to change the constitution are flimsy.
This is the same man that has refused to amend the public order after.
He has refused to make a law requiring himself to make asset declarations.
He has refused to make laws that would ensure corruption fighting entities are autonomous.
So who is he trying to fool, his chance to amend the constitution is passed.
The reasons forwarded for wanting to change the constitution are flimsy.
This is the same man that has refused to amend the public order after.
He has refused to make a law requiring himself to make asset declarations.
He has refused to make laws that would ensure corruption fighting entities are autonomous.
So who is he trying to fool, his chance to amend the constitution is passed.
What moderation you upnd cadrea.
Oh so CCTV’s in Universaties to catch Sugar Daddies gives the right to proceed ??
so it’s not the broad concensus of people ??
Enlighten me on this one Pls
Constitution review in any form is supposed to come from the people. I wonder why are some civil society organisations are condemning others that they are not supposed to reject or attack the draft they have not seen. The answer to these misguided CSOs is that they should not even be a draft from government in the first place because even a draft is supposed to come from the people and not the government. A constitution is never a government document from inception to birth, not even in draft form. And it must have current submissions from the people, not things from the caves or archives.
Why not after elections?
10+ wasted yrs of on/off constitutional amendment debate mired in secrecy.Eish , Zambia is a secretive and unserious nation no wonder we’re still poor.