Ruling UPND drums support for proposed constitutional amendments

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on Zambians to back the proposed constitutional amendments presented to Parliament by Justice Minister Princess Kasune.

UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, said the reforms aimed to enhance governance efficiency and reduce costs, citing a proposal to abolish by-elections in the event of an MP’s death or resignation.

Speaking at a media briefing at the UPND Secretariat in Lusaka on Thursday, Simuuwe highlighted another key proposal—reducing the experience requirement for Secretary to the Cabinet from 10 to 5 years—as a progressive step that broadens the pool of qualified candidates.

“We have people misinterpreting these proposals without even reading them in full. Unlike Bill 10, these are only proposals that Zambians can either support or reject. They are open to scrutiny,” Simuuwe said.

Similarly, UPND Presidential Support Program Director-General for Media, Frank Bwalya defended the reforms, stating that President Hakainde Hichilema has good intentions and that the amendments deserve national backing.

“These proposals demonstrate the President’s commitment to a fair and inclusive constitutional process,” Bwalya said.

He emphasized that, unlike the Patriotic Front’s Bill 10, the amendments will undergo public debate, allowing citizens to contribute their views.

Meanwhile, the Governance Elections Advocacy Research Services (GEARS) Initiative Zambia welcomed the proposed amendments, urging citizens to engage in discussions rather than dismiss them outright.

GEARS Board Chairperson, Lackson Lungu, pointed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Declaration, which requires a minimum of 30 percent female representation in parliament, noting that Zambia currently lags at just 13 percent.

He called on women to support the amendment process and urged Zambians to unite on the matter.

Lungu also praised a proposed provision that requires ministers to vacate office 90 days before elections, arguing that it eliminates unfair advantages.

“In the past, this was unclear. That’s why former President Edgar Lungu allowed his ministers to stay in office until the courts ruled against it,” he said.

The proposed amendments remain open for public debate as Parliament reviews the changes.

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