Opposition mounts over constitutional changes

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has been accused of ignoring national sentiment by forcing constitutional changes ahead of the 2026 general elections despite mounting opposition from civil society, traditional leaders and political parties. According to the Lusaka Times, historian Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa said Hichilema had ‘misread the national mood’ by reviving clauses of Bill 7 through a technical committee dominated by loyalists. He argued that the President’s insistence on pushing the review under executive control defied a 2019 Constitutional Court ruling which declared any such amendment illegal unless people-driven. The historian said ignoring boycotts by major stakeholders and dismissing criticism as political hostility only deepened public distrust. His views were echoed by the Forum for Democracy and Development, which praised chiefs and NGOs that refused to participate in the current process. Forum spokesperson Anthony Chibuye said the committee’s composition ‘reeks of political convenience’, accusing the ruling United Party for National Development of manipulating institutions to entrench itself. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) joined the condemnation. DPP president Antonio Mwanza said the review was ‘a cover for political survival, while APC leader Nason Msoni called it ‘a theatre of deception’. In response, Justice Minister Princess Kasune said government had been overwhelmed by submissions from citizens and stakeholders and that the volume of responses proved the process was inclusive. Meanwhile, civic organisations and the Law Association of Zambia renewed calls for the process to slow down, arguing that legitimacy required consensus, not speed. The Catholic Church and several NGOs also urged suspension until after 2026 so that citizens could engage free from electoral tension.

Full Lusaka Times report