Zambia Launches Constitutional Review to Strengthen Democracy

The Zambian government has established a Technical Committee on Constitution Amendments to review and benchmark constitutional best practices both domestically and internationally, aiming to strengthen democracy and ensure equitable resource distribution nationwide.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa outlined comprehensive Terms of Reference for the committee, which will conduct nationwide consultations to gather public input on critical electoral and governance reforms. Key areas under review include the electoral process, constituency and ward delimitation to ensure fair representation, and enhanced participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in elective positions.

The committee will examine by-election procedures, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness and the number of nominated Members of Parliament. It will also review nomination processes following candidate resignations in presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.

Additional focus areas include establishing clear transitional mechanisms for elected representatives' terms of office, reviewing parliamentary and ministerial tenure provisions, and improving the administration of justice in election petition hearings. The committee will consider local government composition and officials' tenure, along with constitutional definitions of youth, child, and adult.

Furthermore, submissions will address constitutional office holders, specifically the tenure of the Attorney General and Solicitor General, and qualifications for the Secretary to the Cabinet.

This comprehensive review represents a significant effort to modernize Zambia's constitutional framework, ensuring greater inclusivity, transparency, and effective governance across all levels of government while addressing contemporary democratic challenges.