By Jane Chanda
Chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has defended President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent remarks on the constitutional lacunas, saying that his intention was not to sow seeds of doubt, but to bring attention to the stark realities facing the nation.
And Mweetwa said the President meant well for this nation and dismissed claims by some quarters that Hichilema’s words were tantamount to threatening the electoral process.
Speaking at a press briefing in Choma, Mweetwa highlighted concerns over lacunas in Article 52 of the Zambian Constitution, which outlined the process for presidential elections.
He said that these ambiguities posed a significant risk to the country’s democratic processes.
Mweetwa also pointed out that, according to Article 52, candidates must meet specific qualifications and procedural requirements to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
“A candidate must file a nomination paper supported by an affidavit stating their qualifications for election as President, Member of Parliament, or councillor, as prescribed by the Electoral Commission,” he said.
He urged cooperation to address these ambiguities he said existed in the constitution and ensure a smooth transition of power.
Mweetwa further stressed the government’s commitment to reducing mealie meal prices to K50, a move he said was aimed at alleviating the economic burden on citizens.
He emphasised the importance of economic development and job creation, as well as the need for private sector investment in vulnerable communities.
Mweetwa further talked about the government’s efforts to address township roads and infrastructure development, which he said would improve the quality of life for many Zambians.
He also reiterated the target to make Zambia an energy surplus country by 2026, a goal that aligned with the government’s vision for economic growth.
The minister addressed former president Edgar Lungu’s assertion that he would do better if he returned to power.
‘Once bitten, twice shy. The Zambian people remember the legacy of fear, violence, and economic mismanagement that characterised the previous administration,” Mweetwa said.
