Calls grow for transparency in constitution review as Njobvu, Kalaba, others speak on Hichilema’s committee

Democratic Union (DU) President, Ackim Njobvu, has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to publicly release the terms of reference for the Technical Committee tasked with consulting citizens and drafting amendments to the Constitution.

President Hichilema recently appointed the committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge, Christopher Sichimwa Mushabati, to spearhead the constitutional review process.

While commending the Head of State for adhering to the Constitutional Court’s directive, Njobvu stressed the need for clarity and transparency in order to build public confidence in the exercise.

“I think it’s a positive move but we want to see the terms of reference for this Technical Committee and we have to see what time frame they have been given because I think the time will also tell whether this process is truly consultative,” Njobvu said in an interview with Zambia Monitor.

He added that the country could not afford to rush the process, noting that citizens hold diverse views that must be incorporated in any amendment.

Njobvu emphasised that transparency was key to avoiding back-and-forth that wastes time and resources, and instead ensuring that the committee has adequate space for a thorough national consultation.

Citizens First Party leader Harry Kalaba also welcomed the President’s decision to constitute a 25-member committee, saying it was consistent with the Constitutional Court’s ruling requiring an inclusive process.

“It is consistent with the Constitutional Court judgment that directed government to restart the process in an inclusive manner. Every Zambian welcomes progress towards a truly people-driven Constitution,” Kalaba said.

However, Kalaba warned against treating the exercise as a mere formality.

“A Constitution is not just another law but the supreme law of the land and a people’s charter that defines the political, legal, and social foundation. From the onset, concerns have been raised about the composition of the technical committee. Many voices have described it as a ‘committee of praise singers,’ dominated by those sympathetic to the ruling party,” he said.

Similarly, the Governance, Elections, Advocacy and Research Services (GEARS) Initiative Zambia has commended President Hichilema for acting on stakeholder recommendations to appoint the committee.

GEARS Initiative Board Chairperson Lackson Lungu called on citizens and organisations to seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the process.

“As Zambians, we now have a chance to give ourselves a constitution that fully expresses our collective aspirations. We further call on the Technical Committee to ensure well-structured and systematic engagements with citizens and various stakeholders as they undertake their noble duty of consultations,” Lungu said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.