Nevers Mumba Calls for Urgent Constitutional Reforms to Strengthen Zambia’s Democracy
Lusaka, April 1, 2025 – In a landmark address to the nation, Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba outlined sweeping proposals for constitutional reform, warning that Zambia’s current governance framework contains dangerous flaws that could undermine future elections and perpetuate political exclusion.
The opposition leader’s comprehensive reform agenda focuses on three critical areas: fixing electoral loopholes, ensuring inclusive representation, and safeguarding against executive overreach. His proposals come as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections, with political tensions rising over the timing and substance of constitutional changes.
Mumba revealed startling details about how Zambia’s constitutional provisions nearly caused an electoral crisis during the 2021 elections. He described how the current system automatically nullifies an entire election if a presidential candidate withdraws after nomination, requiring the country to restart the entire process after a 90-day delay.
“This isn’t a theoretical risk,” Mumba emphasized. “During the last elections, coordinated misinformation campaigns nearly forced my withdrawal as a candidate. Had that happened, Zambians would have faced the absurd situation of canceling an entire national election because of one candidate’s decision.”
The veteran politician also warned about a separate constitutional lacuna that could allow unscrupulous leaders to manipulate term limits. “We’ve identified provisions that could be exploited to extend presidential tenure through technicalities rather than democratic mandate,” he stated, while praising President Hakainde Hichilema for voluntarily highlighting this vulnerability.
Mumba devoted significant attention to what he called Zambia’s “representation crisis,” noting that women hold less than 20% of parliamentary seats while persons with disabilities remain virtually absent from national leadership. His proposed solution involves fundamental changes to Zambia’s electoral architecture.
The MMD leader advocated for introducing proportional representation to complement the current first-past-the-post system. This hybrid model, successfully implemented in several African nations, would create pathways for marginalized groups to enter parliament without facing the prohibitive costs of constituency-based campaigns.
To demonstrate his commitment, Mumba highlighted that the MMD already includes a deaf member on its National Executive Committee, with sign language interpretation provided at all party events. “This isn’t tokenism,” he asserted. “We’re showing that persons with disabilities have vital contributions to make in governance, if only given the opportunity.”
The proposed constitutional amendments will follow a rigorous approval process beginning with a 30-day public consultation period after gazetting. The legislation must then clear multiple parliamentary hurdles, including committee scrutiny and final votes requiring a two-thirds majority.
Mumba addressed concerns from civil society groups about the timing of reforms head-on. “Yes, we’re in a politically charged environment, but governance cannot pause because election cycles loom,” he argued. “The Law Association of Zambia’s reservations are noted, but the greater risk lies in entering another election with these ticking time bombs in our constitution.”
The address also served to reaffirm the MMD’s alliance with the ruling UPND ahead of the 2026 polls. Mumba offered measured praise for President Hichilema’s leadership style, describing it as “perhaps less dramatic but more substantive” than traditional political approaches.
Regional Context and Historical Parallels
Drawing comparisons across Southern Africa, Mumba noted that Zambia lags behind neighbors like Namibia and Botswana in constitutional safeguards. He particularly highlighted Namibia’s successful implementation of gender quotas in local government as a model worth emulating.
The opposition leader also invoked the legacy of late President Levy Mwanawasa, recalling how Zambia’s third republican leader overcame initial skepticism to establish a reputation for principled governance. “Leadership isn’t about populist theatrics,” Mumba observed. “Sometimes the most effective stewards are those who focus on systems rather than slogans.”
As the address concluded, Mumba issued a direct appeal to Zambia’s political class: “This isn’t about partisan advantage. These reforms will benefit whoever finds themselves in opposition tomorrow as much as those in power today. Our collective responsibility is to leave Zambia’s democracy stronger than we found it.”
The proposals now enter Zambia’s complex constitutional amendment process, where they will face scrutiny from lawmakers, civil society, and the general public. With the 2026 elections approaching, the debate over these reforms promises to shape the nation’s political trajectory for years to come.
Mushanina Bwali!
Wrong reporting! It should be: “In an address to the nation, President of UPND’s MMD wing, Nevers Mumba, has supported sweeping proposals for constitutional reform,..blah blah blah
The MMD Party constitution stipulates that their President shall hold 2 five year terms after which he becomes ineligible. It further stipulates that the party shall hold an elective national convention every 5 years. Nervers Mumba was elected in 2012 and has never held any convention. He’s stayed beyond the stipulated time. Whom can he advise on constitutional matters?
It really is April fools day, isn’t it?
It really is April f00ls day isn’t it?
As expected. Just echoing what upnd is saying in order to stay in favour and keep eating.
In a landmark address to the nation, Really ???
Bollocks to this article by Mumba If he thinks having said his Hail Marys all is forgiven and forgotten
NO WAYS
Indeed, What makes this “LANDMARK”? Ma lipota a masiku ano!
This fool also….just continue stealing tax payers money and stop your nonsense…this man stole embassy furniture in Canada and he was fired by Mwanawasa
these are real boot lickers!
Achokela kuti uyu? some mothers do have them.
Wabe T
Aba bena will sell anything. Hopefully April 1 will wash away his useless FOOL’s comments mwe.
Who can come and resuscitate the once mighty MMD please. This man is a serious time waster, in case somebody may say its hatred, I love the man as a human being, but there is no iota of leadership in him
Pompwe Nevers Mumba makaka
At last someone with sense. Vice President Mumba is an asset to UPND.
Kalimbusha has it that he’s jostling for running mate in the next election on Upnd ticket. Then the same source says that him and some other fellow are on full government pay roll…. under which law I don’t know.
I laughed when I reached a part where Nevas Mumba says some article in the constitution can enable HH to extend his tenure in office. Isn’t this madness? Rupiah Banda could have used it, Edgar Lungu could have used if this is possible…. come on Mumba just tell us that you want HH to continue in office so that your plate will continue being filled.