Distrust in Government Hinders Constitutional Reform Efforts in Zambia

Josiah Kalala of the Chapter One Foundation doubts the effectiveness of a constitutional review under the current government, citing negative stakeholder responses as indicative of distrust. He advocates for comprehensive reforms rather than superficial amendments, welcoming dialogue for meaningful change ahead of the 2026 elections.

Josiah Kalala, the Executive Director of the Chapter One Foundation, expresses skepticism about the current capability of the country to engage in a meaningful constitutional review process. He suggests that the negative reactions from various stakeholders regarding President Hakainde Hichilema’s remarks on constitutional reform illustrate a broader lack of trust in the government. Kalala challenges the feasibility of implementing substantial reforms within a constrained timeline, especially ahead of the 2026 elections.

Kalala acknowledges the importance of amending the Constitution, viewing it as a means to foster genuine dialogue and align with the organization’s advocacy for comprehensive reform. However, he emphasizes that substantial improvements cannot simply be achieved by hastily amending the document. The call for constitutional reform must be approached with careful consideration and genuine engagement from all involved parties.

The commentary by Josiah Kalala highlights critical concerns regarding the current climate for constitutional reform in Zambia. The reactions observed reflect a distrust in governmental processes, suggesting that mere amendments are insufficient for meaningful change. Involving varied stakeholders in dialogue and comprehensive review appears essential to foster trust and achieve lasting reform.

Original Source: diggers.news