PRESIDENT HICHILEMA MUST WALK THE TALK: LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE ON THE THIRD-TERM DEBATE
Zambia is a nation with a proud history of unity, constitutional governance and democratic resilience. Since the unification of North-Western and North-Eastern Rhodesia in 1911, and particularly since attaining independence in 1964, our country has continued to evolve through successive administrations and generations of leadership.
President Hakainde Hichilema is Zambia’s seventh President, following:
– Kenneth Kaunda (1964–1991)
– Frederick Chiluba (1991–2002)
– Levy Mwanawasa (2002–2008)
– Rupiah Banda (2008–2011)
– Michael Sata (2011–2014)
– Edgar Chagwa Lungu (2015–2021)
– Hakainde Hichilema (2021–present)
Each administration inherits a country shaped by the decisions, achievements and shortcomings of its predecessors. This is the nature of democratic governance: leadership is transitional, institutions must endure, and no individual is greater than the Constitution.
Zambia’s democratic journey has not been without challenges. However, one defining moment remains particularly instructive: the rejection of the proposed third-term agenda in 2001. At the time, Zambians demonstrated that presidential power has constitutional boundaries and that the people’s voice must ultimately prevail.
THE CONTRADICTION IN STATE HOUSE’S MESSAGE
Following his re-election in August 2026, President Hichilema has reportedly cautioned his newly appointed ministers against complacency. He has urged them to work harder, listen to the people and never take citizens for granted.
These are important principles of democratic leadership. However, they also raise a fundamental question: why should citizens be reminded of the importance of being listened to when their concerns have often appeared to receive little attention?
There are three issues that deserve serious reflection:
1. Leadership requires action, not lamentation.
The President is not merely an observer of government performance. He is the Head of State and Government, with the executive authority and responsibility to demand accountability, correct failures and ensure that public institutions deliver. The country needs decisive leadership, not expressions of frustration over problems that government has the responsibility to address.
2. Listening must not become an election-season slogan.
Telling ministers not to take citizens for granted raises legitimate questions about whether the concerns of ordinary Zambians received sufficient attention during the first five years of the administration. Listening to citizens should be a continuous responsibility of government, not a lesson rediscovered after an election.
3. Citizens must be free to speak without fear.
It is contradictory to encourage ministers to listen to the people while ordinary citizens, opposition leaders, civil society organisations and other critical voices feel increasingly marginalised or intimidated when expressing dissenting views. A government cannot claim to be listening if those raising uncomfortable questions are made to feel unwelcome.
BILL 7: A LESSON THAT MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN
The controversy surrounding the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 should serve as an important lesson in democratic consultation.
The proposed constitutional changes attracted considerable objections from the Law Association of Zambia, church mother bodies, civil society organisations and sections of the general public. Concerns were also raised through constitutional litigation over the inadequacy of public consultation.
Yet the government proceeded with the legislative process, culminating in the enactment of Bill 7 in December 2025.
The broader lesson is that constitutional legitimacy cannot be measured merely by whether government has the numbers to pass legislation. The Constitution belongs to the people, and meaningful public participation must be more than a procedural formality.
PARLIAMENTARY NUMBERS VERSUS THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
Another important consideration in the current constitutional debate is the composition of Parliament itself.
Parliament is already numerically skewed in favour of the ruling UPND. While parliamentary majorities are a legitimate feature of representative democracy, the numerical strength of one political party should not automatically be equated with the collective will of the Zambian people, particularly on matters involving fundamental constitutional changes.
Justice Minister Jack Mwiimbu’s position that the Executive will not interfere with petitions before Parliament does not, in itself, address the deeper question of democratic legitimacy and meaningful public participation.
The fact that petitions are before Parliament is not necessarily proof that the wider public’s concerns will be adequately heard, considered and reflected in the eventual outcome.
Furthermore, Hon. Mwiimbu’s sentiments in Parliament about the will of the people prevailing must be measured against the practical mechanisms available to establish that will.
If government is genuinely committed to allowing citizens to determine the country’s constitutional future, why not consider a public referendum that gives Zambians a direct opportunity to express their views on any proposed changes to presidential term limits?
A referendum would provide a more direct avenue for citizens to make their position known, rather than leaving such a consequential national question to be determined primarily through parliamentary arithmetic.
The will of the people must be demonstrated, not merely declared.
On an issue of such national importance, government must demonstrate a willingness to listen, accommodate legitimate concerns and build consensus.
The lesson of Bill 7 must not be repeated.
THE THIRD-TERM DEBATE: A TEST OF PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP
Now that President Hichilema has secured a second presidential mandate, which, under the current constitutional framework, is his final term, discussions and speculation surrounding a possible third-term agenda deserve serious national attention.
Zambia has already travelled this road. The 2001 experience should remind every political leader that the presidency is an institution governed by the Constitution, not a personal entitlement.
The two-term presidential limit is an important democratic safeguard. It ensures leadership renewal, protects constitutional continuity and reinforces the principle that political authority ultimately belongs to the people.
President Hichilema therefore has an opportunity to demonstrate the sincerity of his recent message about listening to citizens.
He must unequivocally distance himself from any third-term agenda, discourage attempts to undermine the existing constitutional term limits and reassure the nation that his priority is delivering on the mandate entrusted to him.
This is not about personalities, political rivalries or the ambitions of individual politicians. It is about protecting the democratic foundations upon which our Republic stands.
ZAMBIA MUST ALWAYS COME FIRST
Presidents come and go, political parties rise and fall, but the Republic of Zambia must endure.
The Constitution must remain above individual ambitions, and the people’s democratic will must never be treated as an inconvenience to those entrusted with public office.
President Hichilema has told his ministers to listen to the people. The nation now expects him to demonstrate that same commitment through his own leadership.
Walking the talk means respecting the people’s voice, protecting constitutional term limits and governing in the national interest.
Zambia is bigger than any political party, any President or any individual ambition.
The presidency is a temporary mandate. The Republic is permanent.
Hon. Given Lubinda
Upholding the Constitution. Defending Democracy. Putting Zambia First.
14 November 2026