An Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema
Subject: Mr. President, Why Insist on Constitutional Amendments Against the Will of the People?
Dear Mr. President,
I am compelled to write to you with deep concern regarding your insistence on advancing constitutional amendments, despite the overwhelming opposition from relevant stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the vast majority of the Zambian people. It is clear that the only voices supporting these amendments are those of UPND officials and your political sympathizers. This raises an urgent and critical question: Are these amendments truly in the best interest of Zambia, or are they driven by your personal ambitions and political ego?
Zambia is a democracy built on the principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus. You took an oath to serve all Zambians—not just those who voted for the UPND or align with your party. By pressing forward with constitutional amendments that lack broad-based support, you are undermining the very essence of democracy. Worse still, you risk alienating the majority of citizens who feel ignored and sidelined by your actions.
A Nation Divided
Mr. President, Zambia is not the exclusive domain of UPND supporters. Our nation is diverse, with a wide range of political, social, and cultural perspectives. A process as significant as constitutional amendments cannot and should not proceed without genuinely reflecting this diversity. Stakeholders from opposition parties, religious groups, traditional leaders, and civil society have all raised concerns and expressed outright opposition to these proposed changes.
Why, then, are you so determined to move forward with this agenda? Is this truly about national progress, or is it about satisfying your own political desires and serving the interests of a small, select group within your party? The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not a tool to be wielded for political maneuvering. It should be a reflection of the will of all Zambians, not just a narrow political faction.
The Dangerous Risks of Disregarding the People
History has repeatedly shown that governments that ignore the will of the people risk eroding public trust, creating instability, and deepening divisions within society. Your government was elected on a promise of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Yet, by pushing forward with amendments that lack the backing of a majority of stakeholders and the public, you are betraying these very principles and breaking the social contract you made with the Zambian people.
Rather than fostering unity, your insistence on this divisive agenda is breeding mistrust and resentment. The Constitution should unite us as a nation, not tear us apart. By ignoring the voices of the majority, you are sending a message that their concerns do not matter, and this will only undermine your credibility as a leader and the legitimacy of your government.
A Call for True Leadership and Reflection
Mr. President, true leadership is not about forcing through decisions that serve one’s personal or political interests. Leadership is about listening to the people, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and building consensus. The Constitution belongs to all Zambians—it is a document that should serve the people, not a vehicle for political manipulation or the fulfillment of personal agendas.
If these constitutional amendments are truly in the best interest of the nation, why not take a step back and engage in further consultation? Why not allow for a more inclusive process that ensures the amendments reflect the will and aspirations of all Zambians, not just those in your political camp? If you continue to push forward with this divisive approach, you will only tarnish your legacy as a leader and weaken the trust the people have placed in you.
The Unfeasible Timeframe and Personal Political Interests
The timeframe in which you want these constitutional amendments to be completed makes it clear that this process is rushed and lacks proper consideration. The reality is that such an important constitutional overhaul cannot be done properly in such a short period, especially when there is so much resistance from key stakeholders. If the amendments were truly in the best interest of Zambia, there would be no need for such haste.
Mr. President, the 18 months remaining before the general elections is not an ideal time for this process. It leaves us to conclude that you are pushing for these amendments not for the betterment of Zambia, but for your own personal political interests. You cannot simply push through changes to the Constitution to suit your political desires or to serve the ambitions of a select few. We, the citizens of Zambia, will not sit idly by and allow this to happen. Zambia is bigger than any individual, and it is bigger than your personal political interests.
We, the people, have made it clear that these constitutional amendments cannot proceed at this time. This process must be postponed until after the 2026 elections, when a more inclusive and consultative approach can be taken—one that truly reflects the will of all Zambians.
Conclusion
Mr. President, Zambia stands at a critical crossroads. You have a choice: You can choose to demonstrate true statesmanship by prioritizing the unity, stability, and well-being of this nation over narrow political interests. Or you can continue down this path of division, risking the integrity of the very democracy you promised to protect.
I urge you to abandon this course of action and instead focus on a more inclusive, transparent, and genuine process that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Zambia. The Constitution is not about you, the UPND, or any individual—it is about Zambia, about the future of our nation, and about the people we all serve.
Lead with humility, wisdom, and a commitment to the democratic principles that are the foundation of our nation.
Sincerely,
Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
A Concerned Zambian Citizen