DPP leader, Mwanza, brands Technical Committee on Constitution Review a political tool in the hands of Hichilema govt

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has accused the Technical Committee on Constitution Amendments of being a political tool aimed at reintroducing controversial constitutional changes through the back door.

DPP leader, Antonio Mwanza, claimed the committee’s Terms of Reference were effectively a rebranded version of Bill 7, which he said Zambians had already rejected.

Speaking in an interview with Zambia Monitor, Mwanza argued that every clause and objective in the committee’s mandate mirrored provisions from the failed Bill 7, warning that the process was not people-driven.

“The Terms of Reference give the Committee sweeping powers to review and amend key governance provisions that protect the separation of powers,” he said.

Read More: ‘It’s a political trap,’ Civil societies drag Hichilema over alleged restrictive Terms of Reference for constitution review

Mwanza added that the committee’s mandate could allow for changes that concentrate power in the Presidency, undermine Parliament and the Judiciary, and dilute public participation in constitutional reforms.

“This is not a review but a resurrection of Bill 7. The government has simply changed the name but kept the same content and purpose — to weaken democracy and entrench political control,” Mwanza said.

He declared that the DPP rejected the process in its entirety, urging Zambians across all sectors — including civil society, the Church, trade unions, youth groups, and traditional leaders — to oppose the Terms of Reference.

“The Constitution of Zambia belongs to the people — not to politicians or committees appointed to rubber-stamp a predetermined outcome,” Mwanza 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.