Kasune Unveils Roadmap for Constitutional Amendments.
On Wednesday, Minister of Justice Princess Kasune presented to the National Assembly a roadmap for the forthcoming constitutional amendments. She also went into more detail regarding precisely what the proposed changes entail. Speaking on behalf of President Hichilema’s government, Ms Kasune summarised the intentions behind the changes, which chiefly concern ensuring that Zambia’s constituencies are an accurate reflection of the population so that Constituency Development Funds are distributed as evenly and efficiently as possible, as well as guaranteeing a voice in National Assembly for women, youths, and differently-abled citizens.
The key changes are as follows:
Amending articles 47(2), 58, and 68 to redraw the constituency boundaries, and in so doing guarantee seats for women, youths, and the disabled.
Amending article 68(2) to raise the number of nominated MPs beyond 8.
Amending article 52(6) and 57 to proceed with elections in the event of a candidate’s resignation, avoiding the lengthy process of rerunning nominations, as well as ending costly party vacancy by-elections.
Amending article 153(2) to reintegrate MPs into local councils to give them a greater stake in their community.
Amending articles 81 and 266 to fix Parliamentary terms at five years
Amending article 154(2) to remove the two-term cap for mayoral terms.
Amending article 176(3) to lower the experience requirement from 10 to 5 years for cabinet eligibility.
Ms Kasune explained that the amendment process is long and will involve extensive consultation with key stakeholders. It will also require a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly to pass, meaning that parliamentary support from outside the UPND will be needed.
Wednesday’s parliamentary update was the first step in the road map. Thereafter, a report by the electoral commission is expected on 22nd April. Following this, the Ministry of Justice will draft the bill from 23rd April to 20th May, at which point a month-long public consultation will begin, giving all Zambians a chance to have their say. The bill will be unveiled to the National Assembly on 24th June, and it will be examined by Select Committees until 15th July. Changes will be implemented, and the bill’s second reading is expected on 22nd July, followed by its third and final reading on 25th July. Only after the third reading will it be put to vote and its future will be certain.
This long-awaited announcement marks the fulfilment of one of the UPND government’s manifesto commitments, and signals its determination to make Zambia fairer and more equitable. This process extends far beyond the UPND however, and if the changes are to be implemented, they will need widespread support across all of Zambian society.