By Jane Chanda
The Former Parliamentarians Association of Zambia (FPAZ) says any constitutional review should uphold presidential term limits.
In a statement yesterday, FPAZ president Yizukanji Siwanzi has urged Zambians to unite amid growing concerns over potential constitutional loopholes raised by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The FPAZ called for a comprehensive and inclusive constitutional review.
According to the association, this process should involve input from various stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organisations, political parties, and citizens, to ensure that any amendments reflected the collective will of the people and safeguarded Zambia’s democratic future.
Siwanzi stated that this review should prioritise upholding presidential term limits, promoting civic education, and encouraging public participation in the constitutional reform process.
He also emphasised the importance of bipartisan dialogue, urging the ruling party and opposition to engage in constructive discussions to address the issue with dignity and seriousness.
“Zambia must draw lessons from regional and historical experiences to ensure our constitutional reforms meet the aspirations of the Zambian people,” Siwanzi stated. “As former parliamentarians, we are committed to supporting this process and ensuring all Zambian voices are heard.”
The FPAZ president noted that Zambia’s democratic gains must be preserved through a collective effort to strengthen the Constitution.
He said this required ensuring the constitution remained a living document that reflected the people’s aspirations and promoted good governance for generations to come.
Siwanzi stated that transparency was crucial in the constitutional review process.
“The Constitution remains a sacred document that should be handled with care, and any attempts to amend it, should be done in a transparent and inclusive manner,” he stated. “We cannot afford to compromise the integrity of our Constitution.”
