Is UPND Manipulating the Constitution to Cling to Power?
A political storm is brewing in Zambia as the ruling UPND government pushes for radical constitutional changes that could fundamentally alter the country’s democracy. The proposed shift from the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system to Proportional Representation (PR) has sparked outrage, with critics warning that it is a blatant attempt to consolidate power.
Under the PR system, instead of the people electing the President directly, Parliament would choose the head of state a move that many see as a dangerous step towards elite-controlled governance. The fear is that this shift would strip Zambians of their democratic right to directly elect their leader, handing that power to a handful of party-loyal MPs who would prioritize party interests over national interests.
Francis Robert Kapyanga Mp for Mpika Constituency, has strongly condemned the move, accusing UPND of engineering a constitutional coup. “This is not just about delimitation or creating more positions for UPND politicians,” Kapyanga warned. “This is about who controls power and how our leaders are chosen.”
According to Kapyanga, money-hungry MPs, under the influence of UPND, are selling out Zambia’s democracy by backing these constitutional changes without consulting the people. “Instead of standing for their constituencies, some MPs have become mere tools of the ruling party, blindly endorsing amendments that serve the interests of a select few,” he added.
The dangers of Proportional Representation are well-documented. Countries with this system often struggle with unstable coalition governments, where small parties hold disproportionate power, leading to weak and ineffective leadership. Critics argue that this could make governance in Zambia chaotic and inefficient, undermining long-term development.
Furthermore, there are serious concerns that UPND is using this amendment to entrench itself in power. By shifting to PR, opposition parties could face greater difficulty in challenging the ruling party in future elections. “Is this just a legal cover-up to secure long-term dominance?” Kapyanga questioned.
The biggest question remains: why is UPND rushing these constitutional changes without public input? If these reforms are genuinely meant to benefit Zambians, why aren’t citizens given the chance to decide? The Constitution is not a playground for political experiments it belongs to the people.
As Zambia faces one of the biggest political decisions in its history, the people must demand answers. Will they allow their right to vote for a President to be taken away? Will they sit back as MPs who owe their loyalty to party structures rather than voters decide the country’s fate?
March 17, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
Is UPND Manipulating the Constitution to Cling to Power?
