Group urges President Hichilema to promote dialogue, consensus for inclusive constitutional reforms

A non-governmental body, Advocates For Democratic Governance (ADEG), has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to facilitate dialogue and build consensus among stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive reform process.

Gideon Musonda, the Executive Director of ADEG, expressed concern about the increasing political divisions in the country, which he believed could threaten and undermine democratic governance and national unity.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, Musonda welcomed the President’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, respect for human rights, and constitutionalism, as outlined in his speech to the National Assembly.

“We commend the president’s pronouncements that seek to deepen democratic credentials and promote transparency and accountability,” Musonda said.

Musonda acknowledged the progressive nature of the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023 but urged the government to expedite the establishment of systems for its effective implementation so that citizens can benefit from the law.

“As ADEG, we share the President’s concern about the lack of consensus that has characterized the constitutional reform process for many years,” Musonda noted.

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He called for genuine dialogue among political leaders to create a conducive environment for constitutional and electoral reforms.

Musonda appealed to the government to expedite dialogue and consensus-building on the constitutional reform process to ensure a constitution that truly reflects the aspirations of all citizens.

He also cautioned against laws that might impede citizens’ freedoms, such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act of 2021, and urged for reforms that promote democratic rights rather than excessive regulation.

Additionally, Musonda urged the government to prioritize the enactment of the Public Gathering Bill to replace the outdated Public Order Act, which has been used to infringe on citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression.

He further advised against undertaking law reforms in an election year to avoid politicising the process.

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