Josiah Kalala of the Chapter One Foundation doubts the viability of a meaningful constitutional review in Zambia, citing a lack of government trust and stakeholder skepticism towards President Hakainde Hichilema’s proposal to amend the Constitution before the 2026 elections. While he welcomes discussions on the issue, he argues that substantial reform requires more than quick amendments.
Josiah Kalala, Executive Director of the Chapter One Foundation, expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of a meaningful constitutional review process in the current political climate. He asserted that the negative feedback from stakeholders concerning President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks on constitutional reform underscores a prevalent lack of trust in the government. Kalala emphasized the insufficiency of merely amending the Constitution before the 2026 elections to achieve substantial reforms.
He stated, “Chapter One welcomes the calls to amend the Constitution, as they open the door for genuine dialogue around our constitution and align with our long-standing advocacy for comprehensive constitutional reform in Zambia.” However, Kalala indicated that true reform could not be accomplished within a constrained timeframe of amendments alone.
In conclusion, Kalala’s statements reflect a widespread sentiment regarding the challenges faced in enacting constitutional reforms in Zambia. The current distrust in government and the urgency of time constraints could impede the success of any proposed amendments. A more thoughtful and inclusive approach is essential for achieving significant and lasting constitutional change.
Original Source: diggers.news
