GOVERNMENT DISTANCES HICHILEMA, UPND FROM PETITIONS TO REMOVE PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS
Government has categorically denied allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema or the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is behind petitions seeking the removal of presidential term limits from Zambia’s Constitution.
Speaking during a press briefing, Minister of Justice Hon. Jack Mwiimbu, SC, disclosed that three petitions had been submitted to the National Assembly proposing amendments to Article 106(3) of the Constitution, which provides for presidential term limits.
Mr. Mwiimbu maintained that the petitions were initiated by citizens exercising their constitutional rights and had neither been sponsored nor influenced by President Hichilema, the UPND or the Government.
He explained that Article 88(1) of the Constitution provides citizens with the right to petition the National Assembly on matters of public interest, including proposals to amend or repeal existing legislation.
The Minister emphasised that Parliament is an independent arm of Government and that the Executive cannot interfere with its consideration of petitions submitted by members of the public.
He further defended the petitioners’ constitutional rights, stating that citizens advocating the removal of presidential term limits were entitled to express their views, just as those opposed to the proposal had an equal right to challenge it through lawful and democratic means.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Mwiimbu dismissed suggestions that President Hichilema was secretly encouraging or facilitating the campaign to remove presidential term limits.
He reiterated that neither the Head of State nor the ruling party had played any role in influencing the petitioners, stressing that the proposals would be subjected to the established parliamentary procedures.
However, when asked whether President Hichilema would support the removal of presidential term limits should Parliament approve such an amendment, the Minister declined to speculate on the President’s position, saying he could not speak on his behalf.
Mr. Mwiimbu further stated that Government remained focused on delivering its development agenda, particularly economic growth, job creation, agricultural productivity, support for businesses and measures aimed at reducing the cost of living.
He added that improving access to quality education and healthcare remained among the administration’s key priorities.
The Minister urged political leaders and other stakeholders to refrain from misleading the public and instead uphold democratic principles, respect constitutional institutions and allow lawful processes to take their course.
The Government’s clarification comes amid growing debate over the proposed removal of presidential term limits, with opposition political parties and civil society organisations expressing concern that such constitutional changes could undermine democratic accountability and weaken safeguards against prolonged presidential rule.