SHAKAFUSWA OPPOSES REMOVAL OF PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMIT
Former Katuba Member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa has welcomed the UPND’s reported position that the party has not discussed the removal of presidential term limits.
Shakafuswa said he was relieved by the development, arguing that the five-year presidential electoral cycle helps keep leaders accountable to the people rather than to political parties or individuals.
“Am relieved. I thought everyone has become mad. Five years limit makes leadership accountable to the people. Not their party nor stooges,” Shakafuswa said.
He argued that a political party with a clear plan should be able to demonstrate its ability to deliver within two five-year terms.
According to Shakafuswa, political parties should build strong institutions and collective leadership instead of depending heavily on one individual.
“It is reliance on a person than a group of well-meaning, thinking intellectuals and wise individuals which make failures hid behind their fingers,” he said on his Facebook page.
Shakafuswa also called on leaders to take responsibility and contribute meaningfully to their political parties and the country.
He further recalled the United Party for National Development (UPND)’s position during the late Anderson Mazoka’s leadership, when the party opposed former President Frederick Chiluba’s attempt to seek a third term.
“I remember us as UPND under Mazoka, opposing Chiluba third-term bid for the same reason. This suggestion should not be tolerated,” he said.
His comments follow renewed public debate over presidential term limits, after UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda said the party had not discussed removing the presidential term limit, while acknowledging that former MP Florence Chama had expressed her personal view on the matter.