Socialist Party demands clarity on alleged ‘vague terminology’ in use by Electoral Commission of Zambia

The Socialist Party (SP) has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to specify what it refers to as “other” gaps in the Republican Constitution, arguing that this lack of clarity allows for speculation about potential amendments aimed at altering contentious clauses.

During a submission to the Electoral Reform Technical Committee at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) on Tuesday, Party General-Secretary, Dr. Cosmas Musumali, expressed concerns that the vague terminology could mask intentions by the UPND government to change the Constitution to benefit its political agenda.

Musumali opined that this ambiguity raised suspicions regarding President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, implying that the government may aim to remove the five-year presidential term limit.

He claimed that there were efforts to extend the presidential term to seven years and revert to a First Past the Post electoral system, which could eliminate the 50 percent plus one vote requirement and minimise the likelihood of electoral run-offs.

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He asserted, “The aspirations of the Zambian people have been fairly served by the current Constitution, which represents a commendable step towards inclusivity, stability, and enhanced democracy.”

Musumali urged a coalition of stakeholders—including the Church, civil society, opposition parties, labor movements, student unions, and traditional leaders—to actively reject any attempts to amend the Constitution for the benefit of the UPND government and its leadership.

Musumali warned that proposed constitutional amendments could undermine democracy, heighten political tensions, and incite public anger, ultimately destabilizing the political landscape.

He called for immediate action from all concerned parties to safeguard Zambia’s democratic integrity.

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