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The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has expressed concern over what it describes as premature debate about a possible third term for President Hakainde Hichilema, particularly among some Members of Parliament elected under the Proportional Representation (PR) system.
AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said the discussions were diverting national attention from priorities such as economic growth, job creation, constitutional reforms and improved service delivery.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Ngoma said a third-term proposal had neither been officially presented nor prioritised by the Government, describing the discussions as unnecessary.
He said the debate could send negative signals to local and international investors, arguing that political stability, constitutional certainty and respect for democratic institutions were important in attracting investment.
“President Hichilema has consistently projected himself as a democrat and has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to constitutionalism and democratic governance,” Ngoma said.
He said AIPAC saw no justification for the growing speculation and political debate surrounding a possible third-term agenda.
Ngoma said proposals to alter presidential term limits risked creating uncertainty at a time when Zambia was working to strengthen investor confidence and support economic recovery.
“Any proposal to remove presidential term limits or extend the lifespan of Parliament should not be treated as an ordinary legislative matter,” he said.
He said such changes involved fundamental constitutional issues that affected Zambia’s democracy and should derive their legitimacy directly from the people.
Ngoma argued that any attempt to amend provisions relating to presidential tenure or the duration of Parliament should be subjected to a national referendum, saying sovereignty resided in the people.
“Respect for the Constitution must remain non-negotiable, and national discourse should be guided by the broader interests of the Republic rather than individual political ambitions,” he said.
He urged Members of Parliament, particularly those elected through the PR system, to tone down rhetoric surrounding a possible third term and focus on issues affecting the welfare of citizens.
Ngoma said Zambia’s democracy had been built through sacrifice, dialogue and respect for constitutional order and should not be distracted by speculative debates that offered no immediate benefit to citizens.
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