Govt Tables Proposed Constitutional Amendments and Roadmap

By Ruth Chayinda

Justice Minister, Princess Kasune says there is NO proposal to change the  Presidential tenure of office, from 5 years to 7 years or the Presidential term limit.

Ms Kasune also noted that  there is NO proposal to change the Presidential election winning threshold of 50 plus one vote.

The Minister said this today in a Ministerial Statement in Parliament when she tabled the constitutional amendment roadmap and the 13 items proposed constitutional amendments.

Ms Kasune explained that the proposed changes will prioritise equity and inclusion, which have been repeatedly advocated by a cross section of the Zambian people.

Among the 13 proposed amendments is the delimitation of constituencies designed to equitably distribute the Constituence Development Fund, considering size and population.

Others proposed amendments are the removal of the 2-terms limit for Mayors and Council Chairperson and the re-integration of Members of Parliament into local councils.

Ms Kasune says other proposals are the expiry of Members of Parliament tenure and Ministers positions  3 months before a general election, as well as a proposal to increase the number of nominated MPs.

Ms Kasune said the entire constitution amendment process is not expected to have any costs as it is just a legislative exercise.

She said the amenment bill will be gazetted for 30 days to give every Zambian the opportunity to participate.