GWABA REJECTS CALLS TO REMOVE PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS
By Ubuntu Integrity Media Zambia
Counsel Frank Gwaba has strongly rejected calls to remove Zambia’s presidential term limits, arguing that constitutional limits on presidential tenure are essential for democracy, accountability and institutional development.
Gwaba was responding to remarks attributed to Kazungula North Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki, who reportedly argued that presidential term limits hinder development.
Counsel Gwaba said he respectfully disagreed with the argument, maintaining that development should be anchored on strong institutions, sound policies and systems capable of surviving changes in political leadership.
He argued that removing term limits would risk weakening accountability and encouraging the personalisation of political power.
Gwaba further cited Zambia’s political history, noting that the country introduced presidential term limits following the transition from the one-party state in 1991.
He said attempts to remove term limits in 2001 were rejected, demonstrating what he described as Zambia’s longstanding preference for constitutional limitations on executive power.
According to Gwaba, claims that a performing president needs more than two terms should not be used to justify removing constitutional safeguards.
“If a president is truly performing, his party and his vision should be able to produce a successor to continue his programmes,” he said.
He argued that effective leadership should ultimately be measured by whether institutions and policies continue to function after a president leaves office.
Gwaba also rejected the argument that presidential changes necessarily disrupt development projects, saying the solution lies in strengthening national development planning and institutions rather than extending presidential tenure.
He maintained that the Constitution exists to protect the country from abuse of power, regardless of whether the person exercising that power is considered a good or effective leader.
On the government’s development agenda, Gwaba said Zambia needs stability of institutions rather than prolonged tenure of one individual.
He warned that removing presidential term limits could undermine investor confidence and democratic stability by creating uncertainty over the peaceful transfer of political power.
Gwaba has therefore called on Zambians to reject any attempt to remove presidential term limits and instead focus on strengthening institutions, respecting the existing Constitution and ensuring that national development continues regardless of who occupies State House.
He concluded that two presidential terms should be sufficient for any leader to lay a foundation for development.
“Say no to the removal of term limits. Yes to democracy,” Gwaba said.