In a recent address to Parliament, President Hakainde Hichilema warned of the potential for Zambia to go up to eight or nine years without general elections due to lacunas present in the constitution. He emphasized the critical need to reform the nation’s constitution to prevent such risks and ensure it reflects the aspirations of Zambian citizens.
“Our constitution is a crucial document for our people, but it has unfortunately failed to reach consensus over many years,” President Hichilema said. He stressed that these gaps could lead to severe consequences, including the absence of elections for an extended period, highlighting that the issue is not just hypothetical but a real threat to the democratic process.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to a low-cost, efficient, and credible constitutional reform process, calling on all parties, including members of Parliament, to work together. He described the constitutional reforms as a national, nonpartisan issue that requires collective effort to ensure the stability of Zambia’s democratic framework.
Hichilema also pointed out that, despite numerous efforts to address the constitutional gaps, Zambia has not yet reached a consensus. He urged for unity and collaboration in pushing forward reforms that would secure the democratic future of the nation.