Zambia’s presidency says government has no intention to amend Constitution, lengthen presidential term

James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia’s Presidency said Friday there are no plans by the government to embark on a secret constitutional review process to extend the presidential term limit.

State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka said a distorted narrative peddled by the opposition had been noted to the effect that the government wanted to embark on a secret constitutional review process to extend the presidential term limit from five to seven years.

“For the avoidance of doubt, President Hakainde Hichilema swore to uphold and defend the Republican Constitution. Accordingly, President Hichilema remains resolute to defend the constitution and has no interest in manipulating it for his personal benefit,” Hamasaka said in a statement.

He said Hichilema assures Zambians that he would continue to uphold and defend the Constitution.

Hichilema took office in 2021 after defeating Edgar Lungu by 1 million votes in general elections.