Instead of fixing Zambia’s collapsing economy, President Hichilema is busy plotting constitutional gymnastics to safeguard his political future.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa.
Lusaka, Mar. 9 – President Hakainde Hichilema’s latest attempt to tinker with the Republican Constitution is nothing short of an abuse of power, driven by political survival rather than national interest. One must ask: which stakeholders did he consult before arriving at such a repulsive proposition?
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Constitutional amendments should be a product of broad consensus, not a tool for a sitting president to secure his grip on power. If Hichilema’s motives were truly noble, he would have prioritized fixing the economy rather than engaging in political gymnastics.
The Zambian people, through their Members of Parliament, must reject this blatant attempt to adulterate the supreme law of the land. The Constitution is not a plaything for politicians desperate to extend their stay in power – it is the backbone of national stability.
Hichilema’s track record on constitutional matters exposes his hypocrisy. When Zambia had a golden opportunity to enhance its Bill of Rights, he opposed it with such venom that many citizens were misled into voting against their own interests in the referendum. Now, the same man who worked tirelessly to block a progressive constitutional amendment wants to cherry-pick changes that serve his political agenda.
If he was unwilling to support a stronger Bill of Rights, why should anyone trust him now? His actions reveal a leader who lacks the integrity required to be entrusted with such a sacred task. A Constitution is meant to protect the people from reckless leadership, not to be reshaped to satisfy the whims of an individual struggling to maintain relevance.
Instead of diverting national attention to constitutional manipulations, Hichilema should focus on what truly matters – rescuing Zambia’s ailing economy. The cost of living is skyrocketing, businesses are suffocating, and job opportunities remain a mirage for thousands of unemployed youths. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing economic issues, the president appears obsessed with consolidating power.
Also Read: Time to Walk the Talk: Hichilema Must Call for an Economic Indaba or Admit Failure! We call upon President Hichilema to immediately organize a National Economic Indaba to address the economic turmoil that is crushing Zambians.
The country needs pragmatic leadership, not endless political maneuvering. If Hichilema truly has the people’s interests at heart, he should direct his energy toward economic recovery, industrialization, and sustainable development rather than attempting to rewrite the Constitution to his advantage. Zambia deserves a government that prioritizes economic prosperity over the politics of patronage.
About The Author: Mpandashalo Mwewa, currently the Chief Editor at Woodpecker’s Digest, formerly held the same role at Zambia Reports. Known for championing Pan-African education reforms with a focus on critical thinking, he employs journalism to instigate social transformation.
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Well articulated brother man.
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