Shock as Zambia's President Hichilema Moves to Amend Constitution

Zambia's political landscape is once again in turmoil as President Hakainde Hichilema pushes forward with a controversial constitutional reform process - sparking speculation that the changes may be aimed at extending his stay in power.

Hichilema has appointed a Technical Committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Mushabati, to lead the review. His previous remarks suggesting that Zambia's two-term presidential limit was "too restrictive for leaders who needed more time to implement transformative policies" have reignited fears that the reforms could include adjustments to presidential tenure.

Concerns over transparency first surfaced in October 2023, when eleven opposition parties issued a joint open letter condemning what they described as "secretive efforts" to amend the Republican Constitution.

"We are alarmed that there are secretive efforts aimed at amending the Republican Constitution in which people are being asked to submit recommendations on non-contentious issues," the letter stated. "Given the lack of criteria on what constitutes non-contentious, we do not think that these non-transparent efforts represent the best way of carrying our constitutional reform forward."

Tensions escalated further in July 2024 when former President Edgar Lungu—himself criticized for the 2016 constitutional amendments that expanded executive power—called on citizens to resist what he termed "UPND arbitrary schemes" to alter the Constitution for partisan gain.

While many Zambians view Lungu's warning with irony, given his own record, his statement reflects the deep distrust surrounding the current process.

Civil society groups have also raised alarms, questioning whether the review will genuinely strengthen democratic institutions or pave the way for personalized rule.

"Constitutional reform must be a people-driven, transparent, and inclusive process," said a Lusaka-based governance expert. "If the President's earlier comments about term limits are taken seriously, then there is every reason for citizens to be vigilant."

As the Mushabati-led committee begins its work, Zambia stands at a crossroads. With memories of past contested amendments still fresh, and whispers of a possible extension of presidential powers growing louder, the process could either reinforce democratic trust—or erode it further.

For now, all eyes remain on President Hichilema's next move, as the nation weighs whether the reforms will serve the Republic—or the man at its helm.