Minister of Justice Princess Kasune says there are no intentions to extend the presidential term in the New Dawn government’s proposed process of constitutional amendment.
Kasune explained that the proposal to amend the constitution stems from critical issues such as the persistent holding of by-elections, constituency delimitation, and equal representation in governance.
Speaking when she featured on ZNBC’s “Sunday Interview” program last evening, Kasune stated that the sole purpose of the New Dawn government with the constitutional amendment is to address the pertinent issues that the country has continuously expressed concern about, rather than those related to presidential terms.
“There are no intentions to actually look at the provision that relates to the 50+1 clause for the president to get into power, and there is no intention to extend the presidential limits,” Kasune said.
The minister also clarified that a draft bill has not yet been established as the government considers the current stage to be for information gathering and consultations with stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
“I want to also make it clear that there is no bill or draft bill yet. What we have or are working on are the provisions that will form the draft bill. Until then, we are doing information gathering. What we have heard from civil society and stakeholders is part of information gathering, and it is not just now; it is also looking at reports and some of what was written by ECZ in 2019,” she said.
Kasune further reassured the nation that the government will ensure that the proposed constitutional amendment is undertaken through a legitimate process prior to consulting the citizenry.
“The point is that once the bill is presented in parliament, which is not even where we are right now, it will then be scrutinized, and before that, we want to ensure that we hear from the Zambian people,” said Kasune.
Kasune also disclosed that the government will, before the end of this month, avail the roadmap for the constitutional amendment process.
