Stakeholders say govt insincere about participatory reform agenda, as deadline for constitution bill missed

Various stakeholders have criticised the government for failing to publish the Constitution of Zambia Bill within the timeframe outlined in the official roadmap announced by Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune.

According to the roadmap, the Bill was scheduled for publication between May 21 and June 21, 2025.

However, the deadline has passed with no publication or communication from the government, raising concerns among stakeholders about transparency and accountability in the constitutional reform process.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Citizens First Party National Mobilisation Chairperson, Henry Chilombo, said the delay, coupled with the absence of revised timelines, had cast doubt on the government’s commitment to a participatory reform agenda.

“Zambians deserve to be part of this process from the very beginning, not as bystanders but as co-authors of their own governance framework,” he said.

Chilombo demanded an immediate explanation from the Ministry of Justice, including a realistic and revised roadmap that guarantees inclusive participation and safeguards against political interference or undue haste.

He further urged civil society, the media, and ordinary citizens to stay vigilant and hold the government accountable to its promises.

Similarly, Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Executive Director, Anne Anamela-Mbewe expressed concern that the delay was jeopardising the entire reform process.

Read More: Hichilema defends constitutional reforms, says amendments are best executed before elections

“We expected the Bill to be released according to the roadmap. The delay suggests a shift in government priorities,” she said, urging authorities to adhere to the original schedule and meet set targets.

Civil rights activist Brebnar Changala went further, calling for the entire process to be abandoned, arguing that the constitutional review was not a genuine priority for the government.

“This constitution the government is embarking on is an afterthought. They are not serious, yet they want to bulldoze their way through the process,” Changala said.

Meanwhile, Advocates for Democratic Governance (ADEG) Executive Director, Gideon Musonda, described the process as fraudulent, citing the lack of consensus-building around the content of the Bill.

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