Governance Activist Laura Miti has raised the alarm over the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, cautioning that a seemingly minor change could significantly alter Zambia’s democratic framework.
In a detailed analysis of Minister of Justice Princess Kasune’s statement to Parliament, Miti pointed to a particular provision buried within the proposed amendments—an increase in the number of nominated Members of Parliament.
Currently, Article 68(2)(b) of the Constitution caps the number of nominated MPs at eight. However, the proposed amendment seeks to replace this limit with a provision allowing Parliament to determine the number through an Act.
Miti likened this amendment to “a queen bee, surrounded by worker bees,” describing it as the real objective of the constitutional changes, while other proposals serve as distractions.
“This is exactly what Bill 10 attempted to do,” Miti argued. “If this amendment passes, the ruling party could secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament simply by increasing the number of nominated MPs at will. This would allow them to amend the Constitution without meaningful opposition.”
Miti shared this in a Facebook post below seen by Zambian Eye.
Ehh, people! I’ve just finished reading Minister Kasune’s statement to Parliament on the proposed constitutional amendments, and hau ine! Let me tell you what’s really going on.
No, this isn’t about women, youth, or delimitation—though they’re nice distractions. The real game is Amendment No. 7, hiding quietly in the fufu veve like the queen bee in a hive, surrounded by worker bees buzzing loudly to keep her safe.
The Killer Clause
Right now, Article 68(2)(B) says there can be no more than eight nominated MPs. Simple, clear, limited.
But here’s the queen bee—the UPND wants to change it so that the number of nominated MPs will no longer be fixed in the Constitution but instead decided by “an Act of Parliament.”
Translation? The ruling party can increase nominated MPs anytime they want, as long as they have a simple majority.
Why Should You Care?
Picture this:
In 2026, UPND loses seats. No problem! They just pass a law nominating 30 more MPs to regain control.
With a two-thirds majority secured, they can then rewrite the Constitution however they like.
Bill 10 vibes? Absolutely. But this time, they’re being smarter—just one deadly change wrapped in less controversial proposals.
President Hichilema, This is Wrong!
Mr. President, this is dictatorship in disguise. A Constitution should protect democracy, not leave it open for manipulation. Remember how we fought Bill 10 because Parliament shouldn’t create itself? What changed?
Zambians, wake up! If this passes, the ruling party becomes untouchable. No matter how many seats they lose in elections, they can top up with nominated MPs and do whatever they want.
Hau! Are we really going to let this slide?
#Zambia #Constitution #UPND #Democracy #LauraMitiSpeaks