NRPUP pledges constitutional reforms and repeal of hate speech laws if elected
National Revolution Party for United Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential running mate Makebi Zulu has pledged that a future NRPUP government would make constitutional reform its first priority, arguing that existing laws are being used to curtail citizens’ freedoms.
KASAMA, 6 July – Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Kasama on Sunday, Zulu said his party would immediately embark on amending the Constitution to prevent future governments from abusing state power and to safeguard civil liberties.
Speaking in Bemba, Zulu accused the current administration of using legislation, including the Cyber Security Act, to silence dissent and criminalise criticism of government officials.
He questioned why citizens should face legal consequences for expressing concerns about the rising cost of living, including the price of mealie meal, or for criticising the country’s leadership.
“We have agreed that when we form government, the first thing we will do is change the Constitution,” Zulu told supporters. “People should not lose their freedoms simply because they speak about the challenges they are facing.”
Zulu also took aim at President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent remarks suggesting he was already firmly seated in office ahead of next month’s general election.
In a light-hearted response, he said his party would not be concerned about who occupied the presidential chair after the elections.
“If he wants, he can go with his chair,” Zulu said. “We have many carpenters who can make another one. We will sit wherever the Zambian people decide to place us because the power belongs to them.”
Meanwhile, NRPUP president Brian Mundubile said his administration would abolish hate speech offences, arguing that such laws had been used to suppress legitimate criticism of government.
Mundubile said citizens should be free to publicly hold elected leaders accountable if campaign promises were not fulfilled.
“If Makebi and I fail to deliver the eight bags of fertiliser we have promised, you should have every right to go on the radio and say we lied,” he said. “That is your democratic right.”
He also pledged to reform the Civil Service by removing political influence, introducing merit-based recruitment and professionalising public institutions.
Mundubile urged civil servants to prepare for what he described as a transition to a more impartial and accountable public service.
He further promised to introduce a debt-swap policy aimed at easing the financial burden on public workers, saying many civil servants had accumulated debts because of unpaid allowances and delayed salaries.
The NRPUP leader claimed council workers in some districts had gone for months without receiving their wages, arguing that the situation had placed severe pressure on families and contributed to the breakdown of marriages.
He appealed to struggling public workers to remain patient ahead of the August 13 general election, promising that an NRPUP government would prioritise transparency, lawful governance and the welfare of citizens.
©Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand