By 
Outspoken critic of the UPND administration, Dr. James Musonda, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of using youth and women as a pretext to push for unnecessary constitutional amendments.
In a statement on Saturday, Dr. Musonda alleged that Hichilema was presenting himself as a champion of gender inclusion and youth empowerment to justify changes to the constitution for political gain.
He argued that the President’s push for constitutional amendments was unnecessary, as the current constitution already provided mechanisms to ensure gender equality in leadership, including in Parliament.
Dr. Musonda further stated that no law prevented political parties, including the UPND, from amending their internal constitutions to enforce a 50/50 representation for women and youth.
Instead of altering the national constitution, he said, the UPND and other political parties should revise their own structures to implement these changes.
Citing figures recently presented in Parliament by Bangweulu MP, Anthony Kasandwe, Dr. Musonda claimed that the President had nearly 300 opportunities to appoint women and youth but failed to do so.
He noted that out of eight nominated Members of Parliament, only two were women, while in the 26-member cabinet, Hichilema appointed only five women.
Similarly, out of 116 district commissioners, fewer than 18 were women, and among 40 permanent secretaries, only 11 were women.
He also pointed out that none of the four service chiefs appointed under Hichilema’s administration were women or youth.
Dr. Musonda argued that these numbers contradict the President’s claims of being a champion for gender equality and youth empowerment.
He accused Hichilema of using the constitutional reform agenda as a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to promote inclusivity.
He further echoed opposition concerns that the President’s push for constitutional reform could be driven by political self-interest.
Some, he said, suspect that Hichilema may be seeking to extend his term of office or create more constituencies in UPND strongholds to secure dominance in Parliament, thereby enabling his party to pass laws without resistance.
>He warned that such tactics were characteristic of governments that sought to erode democracy by consolidating power.
Dr. Musonda urged the President to abandon the constitutional amendment agenda, especially given Zambia’s economic hardships.
He stated that at a time when Zambia was reportedly among the hungriest countries in the world, the government should focus on more pressing issues such as the high cost of living, soaring fuel prices, load shedding, unemployment, and poverty.
He insisted that Hichilema already had the power to promote gender and youth inclusion without altering the constitution.
Since the President had failed to use his existing powers to achieve gender balance, Dr. Musonda concluded, he is neither justified nor qualified to push for a constitutional amendment on this matter.
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