Activist Applauds Presidential Committee on Constitution Review

Governance activist Laura Miti has praised President Hakainde Hichilema's appointment of a Technical Committee to oversee constitutional amendments, viewing it as the effective end of the controversial Bill 7.

Miti described the decision as commendable but stressed that the Committee's Terms of Reference (ToRs) would be crucial in determining the process's credibility and legitimacy. She expressed hope the ToRs would ensure a process free from executive interference and genuinely reflective of Zambians' wishes.

The activist emphasised Zambia's need for a comprehensive Constitution, unified rather than fragmented by multiple amendments. She argued the new process must address the Bill of Rights and produce a document that protects democracy while creating a constitutional order prioritizing citizens over leaders.

Miti called for a Constitution ensuring every citizen fully benefits from national wealth, one that is both substantive and accessible to ordinary Zambians. She envisioned a constitutional document recognised as belonging to the people themselves, establishing such strong legitimacy that future administrations would hesitate to alter it.