LUSAKA – New Nation Party (NNP) President Dr. Nevers Mumba has issued a stark warning that Zambia could face a constitutional crisis during the next general election if the current Constitution Amendment Bill, known as Bill 7, is not passed.
Speaking at the official opening of the New Nation Party Secretariat in Lusaka, Dr. Mumba stated his party’s full support for the proposed amendments. He emphasized that the legislative process should proceed without delay, arguing that even an amendment addressing a single provision is critical.
Dr. Mumba pointed to historical precedent, recalling that his party, under its former name the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), had long argued that the failure to amend Clause 52 of the constitution posed a risk. He stated that the clause could potentially cause an election to collapse if a presidential candidate withdrew from the race after the ballots were printed.
The NNP leader also expressed disappointment at what he termed persistent hate speech from the opposition directed at President Hakainde Hichilema. He called on all political actors to place national interest above partisan hostility.
Turning to other aspects of the bill, Dr. Mumba highlighted measures aimed at increasing inclusivity. He affirmed the NNP’s support for persons with disabilities, women, and young people, backing proposed changes to boost their representation in Parliament. He also noted that the bill’s provision for a new constituency delimitation process could accelerate national development if implemented.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Mumba called on citizens and political leaders to overcome hatred and mistrust, which he said remain sources of national division.
Old wine in new bottles , we know you and your old ways NNP.
You have a crisis of confidence and credibility Bwana .
“Dr Mumba stated his party’s full support for the proposed amendments” – which party, this is a dead entity. There is no party, everybody knows.
And is it true that some of these people who support have the children employed in the establishment?
I read Bill 7, word by word and sentence by sentence, also comprehension of its text, purpose, and potential effects, often by referencing its specific provisions, how it fits the Constitution’s structure, its impact on existing law. This is where most of the citizens especially the opposition party senior members are completely missing a point because of wanting to achieve ignorance. I am expecting the Bill to go through after slight amendments.
Can Dr Mumba speak to the legality of the bill 7 after constitutional court ruling that it was illegal. Is he’s saying the end will justify the means? Is he saying he sees no wrong with the process? And has he ever spoken out anything wrong with HH/Government approach or he just sees wrong with opposition?
My take is that he’s plainly partisan and never objective.
Where would Jesus Stand is the question he must ask and follow
Dr.Mumba is right 100% the constitution amendments is the right direction of the country