Government Appoints Independent Committee for Constitutional Reform

The Consortium for Good Governance praised President Hakainde Hichilema's decision to appoint an independent committee tasked with consulting the public and drafting constitutional amendments.

The move follows a Constitutional Court ruling and fulfils the President's earlier commitment that reforms would only proceed after meaningful consultation with citizens.

"We commend the President for upholding the rule of law and promoting citizen participation in the constitutional reform process," the consortium said in a statement.

The committee's composition has been particularly welcomed, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds - including those who have supported, opposed, or previously held no position on constitutional amendments.

The consortium highlighted the appointment of its chairperson, Isaac Mwanza, to represent eleven civil society organisations in the process. Mr Mwanza has been involved in constitutional review processes since 2010 and more recently in litigation defending the Constitution.

Isabel Mutembo from a sister consortium has also been appointed to the committee.

The civil society group described the appointments as reflecting "a deliberate effort" to ensure broad representation in the constitutional reform process.