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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called for an end to the current debate on presidential term limits and reform of the parliamentary oath, saying the issues risk undermining Zambia’s democratic integrity.
AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said the debate on presidential term limits was premature and risked undermining inclusivity and the democratic spirit Zambia had long cherished.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Ngoma said some UPND supporters and officials appeared to be imposing their views on Zambians instead of engaging in genuine consultation and listening to national views.
“The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre expresses deep concern over two pressing issues that threaten Zambia’s democratic integrity: the premature debate on Presidential Term Limits and the outdated wording of the Parliamentary Oath,” he said.
Ngoma urged the UPND leadership to provide clear guidance to its members, saying the country was at a critical juncture.
“AIPAC strongly urges the UPND top leadership to provide clear guidance to its members. At this critical juncture, the President has not yet completed the appointment of his Cabinet, and Parliament has not even been officially opened,” he said.
He said it was destabilising to shift national attention towards divisive debates when urgent international matters required attention, particularly recent resolutions by the European Parliament.
Ngoma warned that potential European Union sanctions could reverse economic gains made in recent years, affecting livelihoods, investment confidence and Zambia’s development trajectory.
He also criticised the wording of the parliamentary oath, saying it placed allegiance to the President ahead of allegiance to the Constitution and citizens.
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“This formulation is inconsistent with democratic principles, undermines the independence of Parliament, and compromises its role as a guardian of accountability,” he said.
Ngoma said the first loyalty of any Member of Parliament should be to the Constitution and the people rather than to the individual occupying the presidency.
He said the current oath originated during the UNIP one-party state era and proposed new wording aimed at strengthening public trust and protecting the independence of Parliament.
“I swear to uphold, defend, and protect the Constitution of Zambia, to faithfully represent the people who elected me, and to discharge my duties in Parliament with integrity, independence, and respect for the rule of law,” Ngoma said.
Ngoma called on UPND leadership, civil society, the legal fraternity and citizens to rise above partisan interests and maintain Zambia’s focus on stability, prosperity and democratic governance.
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