By 
The Zambia We Want (ZWW) party has expressed concern over President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent comments about the general elections.
During his official opening of Parliament, President Hichilema suggested that there were lacunae in the Constitution which could potentially lead to a situation where no general elections would occurred for eight to nine years.
Muhabi Lungu, the Interim Chairman for Information and Communication of The Zambia We Want party, issued a statement in Lusaka on Monday criticizing these remarks.
Lungu pointed out that the president did not specify where these lacunae were, which he found alarming and dangerous as it could fuel unnecessary speculation.
He emphasized that no Zambian should doubt that elections were meant to occur every five years or sooner if Parliament was dissolved under Article 81(4) of the Constitution.
“Further, such statements strike at the franchise, or the right to vote, which is an inalienable right granted to all eligible Zambian voters,” Lungu stated.
Lungu argued that no one, especially the president, should be allowed to imply or suggest that citizens’ right to a regular and time-bound voting schedule could be compromised.
He highlighted that both the term of Parliament and the presidency were limited to five years, with the President allowed no more than two consecutive five-year terms.
Thus, the Constitution mandates that general elections must always occurre as outlined in Article 56.
Lungu urged the President not to casually suggest that the Constitution could be ignored, potentially leading to a delay in general elections.
He called on President Hichilema to uphold his oath to defend and respect the Constitution of Zambia as established by law.
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