"The People Will Shape This Constitution" – Dr. Banda Unveils Vision for Constitutional Reform
Committee Vice Chair and Spokesperson emphasizes citizen-driven process as nationwide consultations begin
Dr. Landilani Banda, Vice Chairperson and Spokesperson of the Technical Committee on Constitutional Reform, has outlined an ambitious vision for Zambia's constitutional amendment process, declaring that this time the outcome must be a true people's charter.
Writing in South African publication Daily Maverick on Monday, Dr. Banda, a University of Zambia law lecturer and human rights advocate, made clear that the committee's work belongs not to politicians or technocrats, but to ordinary Zambians.
"This process cannot belong to politicians or technocrats. It must belong to the people," Dr. Banda wrote in the opinion piece. "A constitution is not a government project. It is a people's charter."
Dr. Banda emphasized that the committee has been given two central responsibilities: to consult widely and openly with citizens, and to draft amendments that close gaps and reflect consensus.
The human rights lawyer, who holds a PhD in human rights law from the University of Pretoria and serves as an Advocate of the High Court with eleven years standing, stressed that consultation will extend beyond formal stakeholders to reach ordinary citizens in towns, villages, and communities who often feel excluded from national decision-making.
"From Mongu to Lumezi, and from Livingstone to Mafinga, in the coming days committee members will deploy across the country to all 10 provinces to engage widely and ensure a truly national dialogue," Dr. Banda stated.
He acknowledged that constitutional reform in Zambia has been attempted many times before but has often stalled or been derailed by politics, adding: "This time, we have no choice but to do better. We must do better".
Dr. Banda outlined the key areas of focus for the consultations, including the electoral process and system, terms of MPs and ministers, handling of election petitions, local government composition, and definitions of "youth," "child," and "adult."
He highlighted specific citizen concerns that the committee will address, including ministers remaining in office during election campaigns, which many view as creating an uneven playing field, and constituency boundaries that have not kept pace with population growth.
"Many Zambians are also demanding stronger guarantees for women, young people and persons with disabilities to have a meaningful voice in parliament," Dr. Banda noted. "These are not just technical details – they are fundamental questions that go to the heart of the society we want to be".
The committee vice chair emphasized that while international best practices will be considered, solutions must ultimately reflect Zambian realities and aspirations.
Dr. Banda also connected constitutional reform to broader national challenges, arguing that it is not a distraction from issues like climate change, job creation, and energy security, but rather fundamental to addressing them.
"A strong, clear and widely accepted constitution helps us manage resources fairly, resolve disputes peacefully and build the kind of stable governance that allows long-term solutions to take root," he explained.
The 25-member committee, which includes a retired Supreme Court judge, faith leaders, traditional leaders, civil society representatives, and academics, reflects the diversity of Zambian society.
Dr. Banda set out the standard by which the committee should be judged: "What will define the success of this process is whether Zambians believe it reflects their voice."
He concluded with a call to action: "Constitutions are made by people, for people, and this exercise is our opportunity for every citizen to have a say. The outcome of this exercise must give us a constitution that fully belongs to the people of Zambia."
The committee has already begun its sessions and established rules of engagement as it prepares for the intensive consultation phase across all provinces.