CHIEF MABUMBA SLAMS CHISUNKA’S ENDORSEMENT OF BILL 7 AS UNILATERAL AND UNJUST
In a stunning rebuke of recent claims published by the Times of Zambia, His Royal Highness Chief Mabumba VIII has fiercely distanced himself and fellow Luapula traditional leaders from the controversial endorsement of Bill 7, warning against what he described as “a rushed and unjust process” lacking consensus and integrity.
In a strongly worded statement issued from Mansa District, Chief Mabumba said he and many other chiefs were completely unaware of the communiqué which was read out by Chief Chisunka and reported in the state-run publication dated May 29, 2025.
“That statement was only known by one Chief Chisunka and was not availed to me just like many other Chiefs,” said Chief Mabumba. “We were just surprised that Chief Chisunka read the communiqué without sharing it with anyone.”
The traditional leader emphasized that the legitimacy of any action, especially one that touches on the supreme law of the land, should be judged on its moral basis not on political expediency or consequences.
“Morality of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules and principles, rather than based on the consequences,” he said.
Chief Mabumba questioned the motive behind rushing the constitutional amendment process, stating that Bill 7 whose bulk proposals are centered around election reforms fails to reflect the inclusive spirit that constitutional changes demand.
“This document belongs to the people of Zambia. The constitution is not only sacred but sacrosanct,” he declared. “The government should not rush with the amendment of the constitution until the Zambian people agree with the process as well as the proposed amendments.”
He drew on philosophical and ethical principles to hammer his point, invoking the veil of ignorance and the essence of justice in society.
“The veil of ignorance states that justice emerges when negotiating without social differentiation. For justice to be served, fairness is fundamental,” Chief Mabumba said. “If justice perishes, human life on Earth has lost its meaning.”
The chief went further to question the rationale of using constitutional amendment to address issues like delimitation, noting that Article 58 of the Constitution already empowers the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to undertake delimitation every ten years without the need for fresh amendments.
“Delimitation of constituencies can be done even without amending the constitution. What about the other clauses?” he asked. “The process protects the contents.”
Calling for transparency, Chief Mabumba demanded that the government release the full report of what is being proposed under Bill 7 to allow all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to engage from an informed position.
“Leadership calls for humanity, and being human essentially involves the other,” he concluded. “The strength of a society lies in its commitment to justice and equality.”
Chief Mabumba’s statement has sent shockwaves through the Luapula traditional leadership community, casting doubt on the credibility of the so-called collective endorsement of the bill. It also reignites the debate over whether the government’s push for constitutional amendments is being driven by genuine national interest or narrow political calculations.
As the controversy unfolds, Zambians are once again reminded that the Constitution is not a partisan playbook but a contract with the people. And Chief Mabumba’s voice may just be the wake-up call the nation needs.
MAY 30, 2025
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