Tuesday, October 15, 2024

President Hichilema remarks were not about extending his term- Chilambwe

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Former Deputy Minister of Information, Joseph Chilambwe, has strongly criticized opposition parties for accusing President Hakainde Hichilema of attempting to extend his stay in office. The accusations arose after the President addressed Parliament last week, pointing out constitutional gaps that could potentially delay elections beyond the normal five-year cycle.

Chilambwe clarified that President Hichilema’s remarks were not about extending his term, but rather about informing the nation of the lacunae in the Constitution that could lead to unintended consequences, such as delayed elections.

“What the President was trying to do was enlighten Zambians about the gaps in the Constitution. He wasn’t suggesting a desire to stay in office longer,” said Chilambwe.

He further argued that if the President had selfish intentions, he could have taken advantage of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND)’s majority in Parliament to amend the Constitution for his benefit. Instead, Chilambwe said, President Hichilema should be commended for being transparent and bringing these legal loopholes to light.

“Zambians should thank the President for being honest and letting them know what’s in the Constitution. Some people who haven’t read it fully are misleading others,” Chilambwe added.

In a related statement, UPND sympathizer Vincent Himoonga urged Zambians to be patriotic and support policies that promote national development, rather than engaging in unnecessary opposition.

“Zambians need to stand for what’s right, and not just support what suits them. Let’s focus on policies that add value to the country,” Himoonga said, calling for unity in addressing the challenges Zambia faces.

The debate surrounding the Constitution has intensified, with various political figures and legal experts weighing in on the potential need for constitutional reforms to avoid legal and political complications.

14 COMMENTS

  1. Focus on loadshedding, not ifyama constitutional amendment. Things done in ‘darkness’ don’t often yield good results!

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    • No not that but did you listen to Guess Nyirenda interview non Prime TV or the Lubinda clip then Minister of Justice over the same Lacunas. They said the same statement HH said..how then is it different with HH?
      If he wanted to extend using the same, he wouldn’t have come to the Parliamentarians. Simple logical thinking.

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    • Find a job not every second you are here making unnecessary noise d!ck head.Pf is not coming back bakabwalala and tribalists.You will be crying until 2031 when others are busy trying to adjust and make some positive changes for all…

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  2. …..

    HH has many business intrests to pursue after the presidency………

    It’s only hungry hyenas with no plan who have stolen who would want to cling to power……..

    Not HH…,……

    he was mearly pointing out ambiguities in this half baked constitution……..

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  3. [52 (6) Where a candidate dies, resigns or becomes disqualified in
    accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a
    candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of
    nominations and before the election date, the Electoral Commission
    shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations
    by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days
    of the filing of the fresh nominations.]

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