Government has denied any involvement by President Hakainde Hichilema or the ruling UPND in petitions seeking the removal of presidential term limits from Zambia’s Constitution.
Speaking during a press briefing, the Minister of Justice said three petitions have been submitted to the National Assembly proposing changes to Article 106(3), but insisted that the initiative came from citizens exercising their constitutional rights, not from the President or his administration.
The Minister explained that Article 88(1) of the Constitution gives citizens the right to petition Parliament to amend or repeal legislation.
He argued that the Executive cannot interfere with the National Assembly’s consideration of the petitions because Parliament is an independent arm of Government.
He also defended the petitioners’ right to make their proposals, saying those opposed to removing presidential term limits are equally entitled to express their views through lawful means.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Minister categorically rejected suggestions that President Hichilema was secretly encouraging the campaign.
He maintained that neither the President nor the UPND had influenced the petitioners and that any decision on the proposals would follow parliamentary procedures.
However, when asked whether Hichilema would support a constitutional amendment removing term limits if Parliament approved it, the Minister declined to speak on the President’s behalf, describing the question as speculative.
The Minister further stated that Government’s priority remains economic development, job creation, support for farmers and businesses, reducing the cost of living and improving education and healthcare.
He urged political leaders to avoid misleading the public and to respect democratic institutions.
The clarification comes amid growing opposition to the proposed removal of presidential term limits, with opposition political leaders and civil society organisations warning that such a change could weaken Zambia’s democratic safeguards.