“HH called for amendments because he does not want to abuse the constitution”

By Ruth Chayinda

Information and Media Permanent Secretary THABO KAWANA says President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s call for the amendment of some clauses in the constitution is owing to his decision NOT to abuse it to his advantage.

Mr. KAWANA says the constitution in its form can be abused as it is within the law and hence has called on Parliamentarians to consider reviewing some clauses in it.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. KAWANA said it is unfortunate that some sections of society have opted to deliberately mislead the nation over what President HICHILEMA said concerning the lacunas in the constitution.

He said the President did not suggest that he wants to extend his stay in office or change the constitution to enable him do so but merely stressed the lacunas in the constitution.

Mr. KAWANA however said most Zambians are agreeable that some clauses in the constitution need to be amended but should be done through a cost effective process.

He said the President’s comment on the clauses on elections is based on what has occurred before in different local government elections.

Mr. KAWANA wondered why the former Head of State EDGAR LUNGU who is a legal mind signed the constitution despite some of the clauses in the constitution being troublesome.