Zambian government denies backing term-limit petitions
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
The Zambian government denies that President Hakainde Hichilema or his ruling party, the United Party for National Development (UPND), is behind three petitions seeking to remove the presidential term limit. According to Justice Minister Jack Mwiimbu, these petitions, filed with the National Assembly, come under citizens' rights, and the executive cannot interfere with Parliament, according to Zambian Observer.
The Zambian government rejects accusations that President Hakainde Hichilema or the ruling party, the UPND, is behind petitions to remove the presidential term limit. Justice Minister Jack Mwiimbu told a press briefing that three petitions had been filed with the National Assembly to amend Article 106(3) of the Constitution, which sets that limit.
According to the minister, these petitions come from citizens exercising a constitutional right, guaranteed by Article 88(1), to bring matters of public interest before Parliament. He added that the executive cannot interfere in the examination of these texts, Parliament being an independent body, and that opponents of the reform have the same right to challenge it through legal channels.
Asked about the head of state’s position should Parliament adopt the amendment, Mr Mwiimbu declined to comment, saying he could not speak on his behalf. He repeated that the government is focusing on growth, job creation, agricultural productivity, support for businesses and reducing the cost of living, as well as education and health.
The debate is not new: on 6 October, a Zambian lawyer had already defended amending the limit. In August, President Hichilema had already called for a new term for the UPND. Separately, five Zambians have asked Parliament to reject the revision.
