By Laura Miti
There’s a sense of trepidation in the pit of my stomach, about President Hichilema’s plans, post 2031.
Watching his government’s legislative and political arrogance and misbehaviour, I am convinced he will take us down the horrible path of an attempt to amend the constitution, to give himself a third term.
I can even hear the narrative that will be drummed into our ears, in a well orchestrated campaign.
Kuzankala – HH has done very well, changing Presidents has delayed Zambia’s development, blah blah
Most of all, it will be – look at the chaff lining up to replace our wonderful leader.
The legislative arrogance, I refer to, is stuff like tabling 70 Bills for hurried passing, before Parliament dissolved.
Almost all of them without adequate consultation, and many including eye-popping provisions.
Arrogance that says – we will, because we can!
Remember that the recent constitutional amendment included clauses that were inserted, by government, AFTER the Technical Committee submitted its report.
Significantly, the government, sitting alone, changed the critical provision on how parliamentary proportional representation seats will be shared.
They linked the formula to the President’s vote share, rather than Parliamentary election results, as was proposed by the TCC.
That’s so bizarre – linking the results of one election to another. Totally turns on it’s head, the notion underpinning our elections which is that the electorate chooses a President and their MP, separately.
We are free to want a President and MP from different parties.
What that clause does, is reduce the power of citizens to create a balanced Parliament, if they want it.
Now, the reason for that secret and immoral decision to doctor the TCC outcome was, of course, because of the 50% plus 1 rule.
Because the President must have majority vote to win, the ruling party will have the lions share of PR seats
This will put them on the path to a 2/3 majority, that allows them to change the constitution with no drama.
I will end by admitting that I may very well be wrong about the President’s intentions.
If I am, I will be very happy.
I like the guy. I hope he does not mess up himself, and us that way.
Anyway, I thought I would just alert citizens to the battle that could very well face us, after August 2026.
A good analyst does not make assumptions what may not and what may happen.Laura you are inciting anarchy.You may not see it that way but such allegations are malicious.That political assassination and defamatory to HH.Its an insult.Pls cool down.Lets focus on issues that are developing the nation
What we want is Zambia to develop,such assumptions just bring confusion.Stop it,why can’t we talk about that when time comes.
Stop spreading unfounded assumptions
Laura Miti, if you have nothing to talk about, just keep quiet. You cannot make such speculation, after 2031 news today.
Fore warned is fore armed. Personally I don’t think Mr. Hichilema would be so foolish as to go for a third term attempt by doctoring the constitution. But then he is human and it is almost a universal tendency of African leaders to want to rule in perpetuity. They start well and then end up messing themselves.
Mr. Hichilema is on course to attaining the status of “best Zambian President ever”. However, if he makes a third term attempt his reputation will be ruined forever like Mr. Chiluba’s.
It is not worth it. I pray that he will leave while the citizens are giving him a standing ovation. A third term attempt will inevitably result in him being booed off the stage one way or another.
Too early to talk about 2031 now. What do you want him to do? It’s better to cross the bridge when you are there.
Even he knows there is no way in hell zambians including upnd supporters can allow that to happen.
Why are we talking about 2031, kodi awina kudala 2026? I thought the Opposition are saying he is a one term Presido, that he will be flushed out on 13 August, vachinja bwanji manje?