Salutations
- The Church Representatives.
- Traditional Leaders present.
- Civil Society Representatives.
- The Academia,
- The Media, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning,
I am honored to join you today in Mongu for this critical engagement on Zambia’s ongoing constitutional and electoral reforms. This platform organized by Transparency International Zambia in collaboration with all the CSOs under the constitutional reform coalition reflects the importance of citizen participation in shaping the governance of our country. We gather at a pivotal moment when significant changes are being proposed to the way we elect our leaders and organize our institutions, yet these reforms raise serious concerns about inclusivity, legitimacy, and democratic integrity.
Let me point out a few proposed amendments in the bill
The introduction of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system and the increase in the number of constituencies have been presented as steps toward enhancing representation. However, a closer look reveals that these reforms are not only superficial but also poorly conceived. They fall short of providing real opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate. Moreover, the lack of transparency in the delimitation process and the absence of mechanisms to enforce inclusion risk reversing the modest gains we’ve already made in representation.
The suggested changes to the handling of by-elections and candidate disqualification introduce more confusion than clarity. Allowing an election to proceed when a candidate resigns or is disqualified without specifying what happens if that candidate still wins creates a legal and procedural vacuum. Equally problematic is the vague approach to by-elections. While it is valid to address the high cost and frequency, empowering political parties to fill vacancies without clear democratic mechanisms would dangerously erode voter influence and reduce accountability. Any reforms in this area must prioritize transparency, public trust, and democratic participation.
Equally troubling is the attempt to reintroduce Members of Parliament into local councils. These steps would undermine Zambia’s devolution framework and centralize political power. History has shown that such overlaps blur governance roles, foster confusion, and compromise service delivery at the grassroots.
These regressions must be firmly resisted if we are to build a truly participatory and accountable governance system.We must ensure that electoral and governance reforms are not just symbolic gestures but are grounded in equity, constitutional principles, and public interest. Today’s dialogue must center on pushing for reforms that are coherent, consultative, and anchored in democratic values not driven by expediency or partisan interests. I look forward to robust discussions that help refine and redirect these proposals toward a more inclusive and accountable Zambia.
Thank you all for your attention.
