NEWS UPDATE: CSOs SET NOVEMBER 25 PROTEST TO DEFEND PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS AS NKANDU QUESTIONS ITS NECESSITY
A coalition of civil society organisations has notified the Zambia Police Service of plans to hold a peaceful procession and public assembly on November 25, 2026, to oppose calls for the removal of presidential term limits.
The coalition, comprising Chapter One Foundation, Transparency International Zambia, Caritas Zambia, the Council of Churches in Zambia, the LCK Foundation and the NGO Coordinating Council, says the existing two five-year presidential term limit is a critical constitutional safeguard against excessive concentration of executive power.
The demonstration follows a petition presented to the National Assembly on October 27, 2026, by citizens calling for the abolition of presidential term limits.
However, Chief Government Spokesperson Elvis Nkandu has challenged the need for the planned demonstration, describing the third-term debate as an imaginary issue and urging the CSOs to reconsider their decision.
Mr Nkandu says neither President Hakainde Hichilema nor members of the UPND supreme organ have expressed any intention to extend presidential term limits.
He has further argued that freedom of expression must apply equally to those supporting and opposing constitutional changes, warning against attempts to silence people holding divergent views.
Mr Nkandu says President Hichilema remains focused on the government’s development priorities, particularly job creation, reducing the cost of living and increasing electricity generation to avert further power shortages.