Former republican Vice President, Enoch Kavindele, has proposed a one-off seven-year non-renewable presidential term of office for a Head of State in Zambia.

Submitting to the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendment in Lusaka today, Mr Kavindele said the seven-year term of office should be non-renewable.

He said such a term will accelerate delivery of development to the people and will give a President the urgency to work promptly because of the limited timeframe.

The former Vice President observed that two five-year terms, which translate into a decade, may cause laxity on the part of a President.

“In that way, the President is fully aware that he has to perform in those seven years. Of course he can perform in the current two term system but if he knows that it is a seven year term which is final, you will see a lot of change and a lot of better things,” Mr Kavindele said.

Mr Kavindele has further proposed that Cabinet Ministers should be appointed outside the National Assembly.

He contended that picking ministers from within parliament alone limits the Head of State from appointing others to head ministerial portfolios who may even be more qualified than parliamentarians.

Mr Kavindele said allowing the President through the constitution to pick ministers from outside parliament will give the Head of State a wide pool of people to choose from as opposed to just limiting it to Members of Parliament.

“Members of Parliament cannot debate themselves, standing orders state that they cannot debate themselves. I would like to think this country can develop faster and better if the President had access to all the people of Zambia for him to appoint those that he can work with,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Transport and Communication Minister, William Harrington, submitted to the Technical Committee that the constitution should stop parliamentarians from serving for more than two terms.

Mr Harrington argued that if the highest office in the land, which is that of republican President, is limited to two terms, he does not see why the number of parliamentarian’s terms should be indefinite.

“This is just to give an opportunity to other citizens, especially the youth who may be aspiring for leadership at parliamentary level. We talk about the youths being leaders of tomorrow but it is a fallacy because tomorrow never comes. The youth must be leaders of today. If there is someone using their influence to party officials at constituency level, then what chance will the youths have to aspire for leadership,” he argued.

Sangwa says constitutional amendment process predetermined

Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa says the outcome of the Bill 7 constitutional review is effectively predetermined, arguing that the process has not created space for meaningful public participation. Speaking during an online discussion, he said the procedure appears to follow a preset script that validates decisions made before citizens were invited to contribute.

He noted that the Technical Committee was given a fixed timeline that limits genuine consultation, despite the long-term implications of constitutional amendments. Sangwa said a process of this magnitude should be anchored in broad national engagement, but the current approach signals that public views may have little influence on the final outcome.

He pointed to previous amendment cycles, which he said allowed wider public dialogue and adequate time for civic groups and stakeholders to review proposals. The present structure, he argued, is restrictive and rushed, creating the impression that submissions will not alter the direction of the reforms.

Sangwa also raised concerns about transparency, saying the Technical Committee began work before its full terms of reference were made public. He questioned whether the committee is operating within the constitutional framework or under administrative limitations that narrow its independence.

He described the exercise as one that risks becoming a procedural formality, warning that review processes conducted without genuine public involvement erode trust in institutions. For him, the Constitution should not be amended through mechanisms that sideline citizens, who ultimately bear the impact of changes to governance systems, electoral rules and checks on state power.

He further questioned whether the committee’s work meets standards set by the Constitutional Court, citing a 2016 ruling that emphasised the need for clear, participatory procedures in constitutional reforms. Sangwa said some proposals under discussion resemble earlier amendments rejected under Bill 10, raising concerns that the current effort may be revisiting ideas already dismissed through public opposition.

He warned that the compressed timeline reduces room for debate on core issues such as separation of powers, institutional design and electoral governance. Effective amendments, he said, require deliberate analysis, adequate feedback periods and openness. Without these elements, reforms are unlikely to withstand scrutiny.

Sangwa urged citizens to assess whether their contributions will meaningfully shape the final document. He said a process characterised by limited transparency and tight deadlines risks producing reforms that do not address the country’s underlying governance challenges.

He also noted the political weight of constitutional amendments, saying rushed changes often create perceptions that reforms are intended to serve specific interests. He called on authorities to demonstrate credibility by widening consultation and ensuring that the review is genuinely public-driven.

Sangwa stressed that constitutional changes must reinforce, rather than weaken, democratic safeguards. He said no amendment should proceed if it compromises checks and balances or undermines institutional independence. The public, he added, expects reforms to advance fairness, clarity and long-term national stability.

He concluded that constitutional review efforts grounded in broad dialogue are more likely to produce credible and durable outcomes. Without such foundations, he said, the Bill 7 process risks losing legitimacy and failing to reflect the views of citizens.

Debate over Bill 7 continues to intensify among legal experts, civil society and political actors as the Technical Committee moves closer to presenting its final recommendations to government.

UPND cautions individuals plotting harm against President Hichilema

UPND leaders have condemned the violence that occurred in Chingola at the weekend, warning that individuals plotting harm against President Hakainde Hichilema will face firm resistance from members of the ruling party’s structures. The remarks were issued separately by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and Bwacha UPND MP Kasanita Michelo, who addressed supporters during post-incident briefings.

Imenda described the events in Chingola as unacceptable and urged citizens to uphold peaceful methods of expressing grievances. He said violence in any form reflected negatively on the country and should never be normalised. According to him, President Hichilema’s administration has consistently advocated for dialogue, community engagement and non-violent political competition, and expects citizens to use lawful avenues to address disagreements.

During his remarks, Imenda stressed the importance of safeguarding national unity. He noted that Zambia has made progress under the current administration in areas such as education support, health provision and broad governance reforms, adding that disruptions caused by politically motivated incidents weaken community confidence. He said the Chingola disturbances showed a need for continued efforts to educate communities on peaceful political engagement.

Michelo addressed supporters in a separate gathering where he warned individuals planning violent attacks on the President that they would face resistance from those tasked with protecting him. He said members of the ruling party remain alert to threats and will not allow plots that risk the life of the Head of State. Michelo said the UPND expects political competition but will not tolerate acts that go beyond normal political rivalry into criminal intent.

While responding to questions from supporters, Michelo said nobody in the party had encouraged violence. He emphasised that those aiming to harm the President were not motivated by political opposition but by criminal intentions, which he said must be confronted firmly. He added that the UPND had experienced similar threats in the past and would continue protecting its leader from individuals intent on creating disorder.

Michelo also referenced reports circulating on social media claiming that the Chingola attackers were linked to the ruling party. He dismissed these claims and said the party had not deployed anyone to engage in confrontation. He said members arrested in separate incidents unrelated to Chingola should not be confused with those who participated in violent acts targeting the President. According to him, critics often conflate unrelated events to portray the ruling party unfairly.

Both leaders called for the maintenance of internal discipline within UPND structures. Imenda encouraged party members to uphold the values of peace, unity and lawful conduct, saying national progress requires a stable environment. He said the party expects supporters to follow established guidelines when attending gatherings, responding to provocation or expressing grievances.

Michelo echoed the call for discipline, adding that individuals who join the party must understand their obligations to maintain order. He said the national management committee remains committed to preserving peace and ensuring that any member who engages in disorderly conduct is subjected to internal processes. He reminded supporters that membership in a political organisation comes with responsibilities, and any deviation from the party’s values undermines the work being done to strengthen national cohesion.

The remarks come after a week of heightened discussion around security concerns following the Chingola disturbances. Community members expressed worry about the wider implications of such incidents, especially in areas where political tensions remain high. Civil society organisations have also urged political leaders to speak strongly against violent behaviour and encourage dialogue as the primary method for addressing conflict.

Imenda reaffirmed that the UPND remains committed to protecting the lives of citizens and maintaining a peaceful climate. He said the party believes in opportunities built on lawfulness, dignity and mutual respect. He added that Zambians should take pride in upholding peace because the country has historically resolved disputes through dialogue and democratic processes.

The UPND leadership also addressed perceptions that the Chingola incident signalled rising political disorder. Imenda said isolated incidents should not mislead citizens into believing that the country is sliding into widespread instability. He urged the public to report threats to authorities and to reject political actors who promote chaos.

Michelo, meanwhile, stressed that any attempt to attack the President cannot be treated lightly, explaining that such actions threaten national stability. He told supporters that those planning violent acts put their own communities at risk because law enforcement agencies treat such threats as matters of national security.

As the debate continues, political observers note that the Chingola disturbance has reignited conversation about the behaviour of political groups and the role of party leadership in guiding supporters. Calls for responsible messaging, community engagement and consistent enforcement of internal disciplinary measures have featured prominently across public commentary.

Both Imenda and Michelo emphasised that UPND members stand ready to defend the Head of State against criminals, not political opponents. They said political competition is welcome but must take place within the confines of the law. Their remarks form part of the ruling party’s wider effort to reassure the public that peace and security remain priorities as political activities intensify across the country.

Prof Lumina rejects Kaaba’s defence of Bill 7, cites key legal concerns

Constitutional law expert Professor Cephas Lumina has rejected Dr O’Brien Kaaba’s defence of President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to appoint the Technical Committee on constitutional reform, describing Kaaba’s comments as a diversion from the central legal question surrounding Bill 7. His response adds another dimension to the ongoing debate about the scope of presidential authority in steering constitutional amendments.

In a detailed reaction, Lumina argued that Kaaba’s defence did not address what he considers the core issue: whether Article 92 of the Constitution grants the President power to initiate or direct constitutional change. Lumina noted that instead of engaging with this question, Kaaba focused on interpretations that, in Lumina’s view, stretch the meaning of presidential functions beyond what the law permits.

Lumina said the role of the President is limited to executing functions expressly provided for in the Constitution. He cautioned that assigning additional powers through broad interpretation risks elevating the presidency above constitutional limits. According to Lumina, this is particularly important when dealing with matters involving constitutional reform, which he described as a process that belongs to the people.

The constitutional expert also questioned the timing and structure of the Technical Committee. He observed that the committee was appointed before clear terms of reference were issued, which in his view created uncertainty about its mandate. Lumina added that early public statements released by the committee suggested a scope similar to proposals contained in the rejected Bill 7, raising questions about whether the current process mirrors earlier attempts at reform.

He said the manner in which the committee was established reinforced concerns that the amendment process may not be aligned with principles of public participation and transparency. Lumina referenced public commentary that highlighted gaps in consultation, noting that any reform effort must be anchored in citizens’ involvement rather than executive direction.

Drawing from the Constitutional Court’s earlier ruling in the Munir Zulu case, Lumina explained that the judgment affirmed that constituent power rests with the people and cannot be exercised by the Executive. He argued that this precedent should guide any approach to constitutional changes, and that reforms initiated by presidential committees risk conflicting with that legal position.

The scholar further responded to Kaaba’s suggestion that the President’s general administrative functions allow for such initiatives. Lumina stated that administrative responsibilities do not supersede constitutional constraints, and that attempts to expand executive influence through interpretation should not form the basis of constitutional reform.

He said the primary questions requiring examination include how the committee was constituted, what its mandate entails, and whether the approach respects established constitutional procedures. According to Lumina, Kaaba’s response did not address these points directly, which he felt weakened the defence.

Lumina also expressed concern about the potential reintroduction of clauses resembling those in the former Bill 7. He highlighted public fears that the process may revive proposals that citizens previously rejected. He urged that any constitutional review must begin with broad consultation before drafting begins, arguing that pre-set frameworks risk marginalising public input.

The constitutional debate has drawn continued attention from legal practitioners, civil society and political groups. Lumina’s statement adds to a growing list of voices questioning the foundation of the current reform initiative. Meanwhile, Kaaba’s position has centred on the view that the President’s leadership role includes coordinating national processes that require administrative support.

Lumina called for a process that is grounded in transparency, national dialogue and respect for constitutional boundaries. He said the current approach requires careful re-evaluation to ensure that it does not undermine public confidence in constitutional governance. He emphasised that the Constitution is a national framework and should not be shaped through mechanisms that leave out critical stages of citizen engagement.

He restated that the issue at hand is not the intention to review the Constitution but the method being used. He encouraged legal scholars, civic organisations and public institutions to continue scrutinising the process, arguing that constitutional amendments must follow established norms rather than interpretations that could expand executive authority beyond what is clearly provided.

The matter remains under active discussion, with various stakeholders continuing to analyse both Kaaba’s position and Lumina’s counterarguments. Observers expect the debate to intensify as the work of the Technical Committee progresses and as more details emerge on the direction of proposed reforms.

Government apologises for nationwide fuel shortages, cites logistical delays

Government has issued a public apology for the fuel shortages reported across the country in recent days, attributing the disruption to delays in the distribution chain rather than a depletion of national reserves. Energy Minister Makozo Chikote acknowledged the inconvenience caused and moved to assure citizens that the country still holds sufficient fuel stocks.

According to figures released by the ministry, Zambia had 57,385,360 litres of diesel and 40,082,000 litres of petrol in reserve as of 11 November. The availability of these quantities, officials explained, shows that the country has not encountered a supply collapse. The challenge, instead, stemmed from logistical delays that slowed deliveries to retail stations in several districts.

Reports of long queues and temporary shutdowns at some service stations had raised concerns about national stock levels. The ministry said monitoring teams were deployed to track the movement of fuel and assess the extent of the disruption. Once briefed, transporters were instructed to increase the frequency of deliveries to ease pressure on affected towns.

Government officials also met oil marketing companies to strengthen coordination between depots and retail outlets. The objective, according to the ministry, is to ensure a consistent flow of product until normal supply patterns are restored.

Short term actions have already been implemented. These include prioritising districts that experienced the longest delays and clearing backlogs in the delivery schedule. Medium term measures are also underway. The ministry is reviewing monitoring systems, refining distribution planning and tightening communication channels among suppliers to prevent similar incidents.

While the situation has been described as temporary, the disruption affected motorists in several parts of the country. Some service stations ran out of petrol while others had limited diesel, creating pressure on outlets that still had stock. The ministry noted that these variations were a direct result of slowed truck movements rather than a shortage at national level.

Government monitoring teams have continued tracking daily reserves and dispatch patterns, ensuring that deliveries are spread evenly as operators work through the backlog. Officials indicated that fuel flow should stabilise as more trucks complete scheduled movements in the coming days.

Public concern that the shortages reflected deeper economic challenges was addressed through the ministry’s statement, which emphasised that scheduled imports had continued and that national reserves remained secure. The disruptions, it said, were confined to the distribution chain and not caused by scarcity at the source.

Chikote called for calm as supply levels move back to normal. He acknowledged the pressure placed on transport operators, businesses and households, and committed to providing further updates as the stabilisation process progresses.

Government expects full normalisation once the last delayed consignments reach their destinations, with continued monitoring to ensure all service stations return to regular operating patterns.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s openness to using coal as part of Zambia’s energy mix, stating that the country will not shy away from utilising its abundant coal resources to address the persistent power deficit.

Speaking when Dangote Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Aliko Dangote, paid a courtesy call at State House yesterday, President Hichilema said the ongoing electricity shortage has constrained Zambia’s economic growth, preventing the country from achieving its projected seven percent growth rate.

“We cannot allow the power deficit to continue hindering our economic progress. Zambia is endowed with abundant coal, and we must use it responsibly to generate the power our people and industries desperately need,” President Hichilema said.

Mr. Dangote echoed the President’s sentiments, assuring him of the Dangote Group’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic development by investing in energy generation. He noted that countries such as Germany and South Africa continue to use coal as part of their energy mix, adding that Zambia should take advantage of its natural endowments.

“We stand ready to work with the government to help resolve the power challenges. Zambia has what it takes to meet its electricity needs, and we are prepared to play a part,” Mr. Dangote stated.

Earlier in the day, President Hichilema urged a visiting European business delegation to seize emerging opportunities in Zambia’s rapidly reforming energy sector.

Addressing the delegation during a courtesy call at State House, the President highlighted that his administration has undertaken significant reforms that have opened new avenues for investment, particularly in power generation and transmission.

“We have created an environment that is more conducive for investment than ever before. The energy sector, which was previously constrained, is now open for participation, and we welcome partners who can help us meet our energy needs,” President Hichilema said.

He assured the investors that the government is also prioritising measures to reduce the cost of doing business to make Zambia a more competitive investment destination.

Head of delegation Jan Traeckner expressed readiness to invest, emphasising Europe’s interest in helping Zambia resolve its power shortage to unlock broader economic growth.

“We believe Zambia has significant potential, and we are committed to collaborating with your government to address the power deficit,” Mr. Traeckner said.

Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, noted that the European delegation has shown keen interest in coal-based energy generation, taking advantage of Zambia’s readily available coal deposits.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, Winnie Chibesakunda, added that the delegation is determined to return to Zambia to pursue concrete investment opportunities.