Presbyterian council lampoons govt for economic woes, urges Hichilema to abandon constitutional reforms

The Archdiocese of Lusaka Presbyteral Council has called on the government to drop proposed constitutional amendments and instead focus on addressing urgent national challenges affecting Zambians.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, the Council expressed concern over what it described as a deliberate attempt by the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration to divert public attention from pressing issues.

It accused the government of using the proposed constitutional amendments as a distraction while citizens grappled with economic hardships.

“We urge the government to reconsider and desist from this culture of political charlatanism that shifts focus from real issues such as the high cost of living, the energy crisis, and food insecurity,” the statement read.

The council also highlighted concerns over youth unemployment, divisive politics, declining mining revenues, increased arrests and alleged unlawful detention of opposition figures, selective corruption fights, nepotism, and a deteriorating healthcare system.

It argued that constitutional amendments were not a national priority at this time and criticized the government for allegedly leading efforts to undermine the same constitution it should be upholding.

The council reminded the UPND that it actively participated in drafting the 2016 Constitution and that there was no crisis or compelling reason warranting changes.

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“This government was given the mandate to govern, not to change the Constitution. Nowhere has it been reported that the current Constitution has hindered governance,” it stated.

The Archdiocese further accused the government of failing to fulfill its campaign promises and instead engaging in political theatrics.

“The government has misdirected its focus toward creating a UPND hegemony in Zambia’s socio-economic and political system through the systematic weakening of opposition parties and governance institutions,” it stated.

It described the proposal to allocate resources to constitutional amendments as an unjust act against the people of Zambia.

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