Youth group urges rejection of proposed constitutional amendments, lack of inclusivity

Operation Young Vote (OYV) has called on Members of Parliament, citizens, the church, and traditional leaders to reject the proposed constitutional amendments, citing a lack of legitimacy and inclusive consultation.

Executive Director, Guess Nyirenda, said the proposed changes should be opposed because they were developed without broad engagement with Zambian citizens—the rightful holders of constitutional rights.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor in an interview in Lusaka, Nyirenda described the proposed amendments as limited in scope and heavily skewed toward political and electoral matters, with no attention paid to broader national concerns.

“It is perturbing and appalling that politicians continue to view themselves as the most important citizens,” Nyirenda said.

He said: “They want the public to believe that their safety and wellbeing is equal to that of all citizens—but this is simply not true.”

While acknowledging the importance of politics in shaping leadership and policy, Nyirenda warned that Zambians should not “cheapen themselves” into accepting constitutional reforms that primarily serve political interests.

He argued that the general public stood to gain nothing from the proposed changes. Instead, they will bear the financial burden of expanded parliamentary infrastructure and the increased salaries and allowances for more Members of Parliament.

Nyirenda further described the proposed amendments as “extremely myopic” and “deeply scary,” warning that they would benefit only the political elite while leaving ordinary citizens—including party cadres—to suffer the consequences.

He expressed deep concern with the contents of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025, noting that approximately 92.5 percent of the proposed reforms focused on elections and political matters, while only 7.5 percent touch on the definition and rights of children and youth.

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