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Political commentator and academician, Lawrence Mwelwa, has cautioned Zambians to be vigilant, alleging that the government is attempting to introduce constitutional amendments under the guise of constituency delimitation.
Mwelwa emphasised that the constitution belongs to the people, not the government, as it serves as the nation’s foundation, shaping its future and protecting its values.
“Changing it should never be done in a hurry or without the approval of those it serves,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
He noted that past presidents, from Kenneth Kaunda to Edgar Lungu, always consulted the public before making constitutional amendments.
“It is not just about legality; it is about respect, fairness, and accountability,” he added.
Mwelwa urged the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to follow the same approach, warning that the constitution should not be used as a tool for those in power but rather as the voice of the people.
However, he claimed that behind the rhetoric of fairness, a “clever game” was unfolding.
“Many Members of Parliament (MPs) know they are losing support in their constituencies. If elections were held today, they might not win, as their connection to the people has weakened. They are now looking for a way to secure their stay in power.”
Mwelwa alleged that the government’s answer to this challenge was to divide constituencies, create new seats, and increase MPs’ chances of re-election—an idea that may seem reasonable on the surface but hides deeper implications.
He observed that while the push for delimitation was framed as a way to improve governance and bring leadership closer to the people, the real motive was political survival.
“President Hakainde Hichilema understands this well. He does not need to force MPs to agree—he only needs to offer them a deal that benefits them,” Mwelwa said.
He warned that while MPs believe they are securing their positions, hidden amendments could be introduced alongside the delimitation bill.
“Small but powerful changes could alter the country’s governance in ways we will regret.”
Mwelwa cautioned that MPs from both the ruling and opposition parties might rush to approve these changes without fully grasping their long-term impact.
He recalled that when the Patriotic Front (PF) increased the number of constituencies from 150 to 156, they did so through a single-item amendment bill that was “clear and straightforward.”
Mwelwa suggested that the same approach should be used now—one amendment strictly for delimitation, with no additional changes.
“But if the bill comes with extra amendments, we must be cautious. If you accept more than what is necessary, do not say you were not warned. The constitution is a powerful document, and once changes are made, they cannot be easily undone,” he said.
His remarks come after President Hichilema, in his parliamentary address on Friday, stated that delimiting or subdividing large constituencies by geography and population was necessary to improve resource distribution and service delivery.
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