Miles Sampa Warns Against Constitutional Manipulation Amid 71 Bills Debate
By Misheck Nyirongo
Miles Sampa has warned against what he describes as attempts to manipulate Zambia’s constitutional and legal framework through the 71 bills currently under debate in Parliament, saying the country’s Constitution must remain the supreme law of the land.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, Sampa announced the formation of the PF/Tiyende Alliance and named Chitalu Chilufya as the Patriotic Front presidential candidate.
Sampa said the growing number of proposed legislative changes has raised serious concerns about the direction of governance and democracy in the country. He argued that every Statutory Instrument and proposed amendment must originate from and align with the Republican Constitution.
According to Sampa, the current process appears aimed at creating laws and procedures that protect certain individuals and political interests instead of defending constitutional principles and democratic freedoms.
“The Constitution must remain supreme. Any changes or legal instruments being introduced should reflect the will of the people and not be used to disadvantage others politically,” Sampa said
He further condemned what he termed as efforts to intimidate and restrict opposition political parties, warning that democracy could be undermined if opposition groups are prevented from operating freely.
Sampa maintained that Zambians are peaceful and patient people but cautioned against pushing citizens into frustration through political exclusion.
“Even small ants can bite when squeezed into a corner,” he said.
The Matero Member of Parliament questioned why opposition leaders and parties were allegedly facing obstacles if the ruling United Party for National Development is confident of winning the 2026 general elections.
He stressed that political competition should remain open and fair, arguing that no candidate or alliance should be blocked from participating in national elections.
Drawing comparisons with Zambia’s political history, Sampa noted that Kenneth Kaunda did not stop Frederick Chiluba from contesting after decades in power. He also referenced late opposition leader Anderson Mazoka, saying political competitors in previous elections were allowed to participate freely without interference.
Sampa emphasized that the people of Zambia should be the ones to decide who leads them, warning that attempts to weaken opposition participation could damage democratic institutions and public confidence in the electoral process.
He called on citizens to remain vigilant and defend the Constitution, insisting that the ongoing parliamentary debates must not be used to alter the political playing field unfairly ahead of the 2026 elections.