CSOs Reject Fast-Tracked Constitutional Amendment Process
Fourteen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have strongly opposed the government’s expedited constitutional amendment process, calling on President Hakainde Hichilema to postpone any changes until after the 2026 general elections. The CSOs, including prominent groups such as Chapter One Foundation, Alliance for Community Action (ACA), ActionAid, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD), and Women for Change, have pledged to mobilize various sectors of society to resist what they describe as an undemocratic and rushed process.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, ZCSD Executive Director Leah Mitaba, representing the coalition of CSOs, criticized the government’s approach, labeling it as manipulative and lacking transparency. “This process is an attempt to integrate women and youth participation through a delimitation exercise rather than a genuine and inclusive constitutional review,” Mitaba stated.
The CSOs argue that the current approach undermines the principles of democracy and public participation. They have called for a more thorough and consultative process, emphasizing the need for a Constitution Review Commission (CRC) to ensure that all stakeholders, including civil society, religious groups, and political parties, are adequately involved.
Former President Edgar Lungu has also voiced his opposition to the amendments, describing the process as politically unhealthy and unnecessary. Lungu pointed out the irony of President Hichilema’s current stance, given that he had vehemently opposed Bill 10 in 2020. “This move is undemocratic, unacceptable, and unnecessary, especially coming from a leader who previously protested against similar attempts,” Lungu remarked.
In response to the criticism, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka defended the government’s approach, asserting that sufficient consultations have been conducted. “Zambians do not want an unnecessarily lengthy process. The government has engaged stakeholders and is committed to ensuring that the constitutional amendments reflect the will of the people,” Hamasaka said.
Despite these assurances, the CSOs remain unconvinced, warning that a rushed and exclusionary process could erode public trust and lead to widespread resistance. “The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy, and any changes to it must be approached with care, transparency, and inclusivity,” Mitaba emphasized.
As the debate over the constitutional amendments intensifies, the CSOs have vowed to continue their advocacy, urging the government to adopt a more democratic and participatory approach. The coming weeks are likely to see increased mobilization and public engagement as stakeholders push for a process that truly reflects the aspirations of all Zambians.
source:
Leah Mitaba
Executive Director
Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD)
On behalf of:
Chapter One Foundation, Alliance for Community Action (ACA), ActionAid, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Women for Change, and other CSOs.
The CSOs are on terra-firma; constitutional amendment desperation must be stopped. It can wait until after the elections!
When theh fail to lead the country, they always rush to change the constitution.
In 2021 they never saw anything wrong in the constitution but now they want to rush changes after seeing their popularity diminish.
Hypocrisy and Greed!!!
I agree, energy must be directed to solving the high cost of living which they are running away from debating in Parliament than rushing to the constitution. I mean the man has failed to nominate women, youths and disabled and yet he has powers to do so now, and wants to be compelled by a constitution. We will change the constitution but not now, for now we don’t know what you want to tactically slide in in there.
And a state house spokesperson says there were constitutional review commissions in the past that gathered what Zambians said they wanted hence a draft has been done. Who told him things gathered decades ago are still relevant to Zambian people up to now. Zambian people will tell you how they would want the constitution to be reviewed, it is not a government document please. What is difficult here? Cabinet office must start doing it’s job and start orienting or reorienting those in government for the first time on governance issues.
If such is true then why did the Upnd boycott Parliament in order to stop the proposed amendments.?
Dr Levy Mwanawasa always said: The problem with Mr Hakainde Hichilema is that he likes cheating and he sees nothing wrong in cheating as long he gets what he wants.