PRAISING THE ECONOMY DOES NOT MEAN SUPPORTING BILL 7- CARITAS ZAMBIA
Caritas Zambia says applauding President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic achievements should not be confused with supporting the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.
Caritas Zambia Director Fr. Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga said while Zambians appreciate the government’s progress on economic stability and debt restructuring, they still have a duty to question amendments brought just months before the 2026 elections.
“Opposing Bill 7 does not mean we hate the President. It means we are defending our democracy,” he said.
He noted that the Church challenged Bill 10 under the previous administration and is doing the same with Bill 7 proof of consistency, not hostility.
Fr. Mapulanga also rejected the idea that protests should be banned due to potential counter-marches, saying maintaining order is the responsibility of the police.
He warned against assuming economic success guarantees public approval on constitutional changes, calling this the “validation trap.”
“If the amendments are good, they can wait until after 2026,” Fr Mapulanga said, reminding the nation that democratic disagreement is healthy.
By Sandra Kunda
Those who want Constitution Amendment to wait can use their time to waiting somewhere not in Zambia because Those submitted want results and move country forward.
….so if the amendments are good and progressive why wait until 2026. Just that alone exposes your bias and endpoint interest. Dissect the issues in Bill 7 and analyze the pros and cons. You are now begining to behave like spoiled children crying anyhow. Tell the people what is wrong in there that must not be accepted. Don’t talk about the timing. History has shown that this has been done and can be done.