Civil Society Rejects “Rushed” Constitutional Amendment Process, Warns of Political Motives
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have fiercely condemned the process, branding it a rushed, politically motivated attempt to manipulate the upcoming 2026 general elections.
In a scathing joint statement, 14 prominent CSOs including Transparency International Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, and the Alliance for Community Action warned that the government’s approach mirrors the controversial Bill 10 of 2019, which Zambians overwhelmingly rejected for its lack of transparency and public support.
The organizations blasted President Hakainde Hichilema’s March 8th announcement in Kasama, accusing the government of sidelining genuine public consultations and pushing through changes without a clear road map.
“Constitution-making is not a political gamble it is a national matter. We refuse to rubber-stamp a flawed process that serves politicians, not the people,” the statement read.
The CSOs highlighted the glaring absence of grassroots participation, a comprehensive plan, and any clarity on the specific constitutional clauses set for amendment.
Particularly scathing was their criticism of the government’s claim that the process aims to enhance women and youth representation.
“This is not about empowering marginalized groups it’s about using women and youth as pawns to justify a delimitation process ahead of elections. We’ve seen this trick before during the Bill 10 campaign,” the CSOs charged.
They pointed to President Hichilema’s failure to fully utilize his constitutional power to nominate eight Members of Parliament to represent special interests. Out of the eight possible seats, only two women were nominated, with no youth, disabled persons, or minorities appointed.
“How can this government claim to care about inclusive representation when it can’t even fill the few seats it already controls with marginalized voices?” the statement questioned.
The CSOs also tore into the financial implications of the proposed amendments, calling them a reckless misuse of resources.
“With a fiscal deficit already widening past 6.4% and more than 50% of the 2025 budget consumed by debt repayments and the public wage bill, where will the money for a nationwide constitutional review come from?” they asked.
They argued that Zambia, now ranked the 6th poorest country globally and battling food inflation stuck at 20%, cannot afford the luxury of a poorly planned constitutional reform.
Calling the amendments a “political charade,” the CSOs demanded an immediate halt to the process, urging the government to focus on pressing economic challenges. They proposed a post-2026 constitutional review one with clear timelines, adequate funding, and full citizen participation.
“We will not stand by and watch politicians hijack the Constitution for personal gain. The will of the people must guide this process not the ambition of those in power,” they warned.
“Demand a transparent and accountable constitutional reform. The Constitution belongs to the people, not the politicians.”