Rise, Represent, Reform

…. DP sparks a movement to make Parliament reflect the people.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 24, 2025)

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) has made a passionate call for constitutional reform, urging President Hakainde Hichilema to lead the charge in amending Article 68 of the Republican Constitution to institutionalize mandatory representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Zambia’s Parliament.

Speaking during a press briefing held at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Thursday, party President Judith Kabemba described the current political framework as “systemically exclusionary” and “deliberately indifferent” to marginalized voices.

She warned that without legal guarantees, the democratic promise of inclusive governance would continue to elude the majority of Zambians.

“Article 68 gives the President the power to nominate up to eight MPs. But the Constitution says ‘may,’ and that one word has been used to sideline those who are already excluded from political participation,” Kabemba said.

“This is not just a gap. It’s a betrayal of our democracy.”

Kabemba proposed a sweeping reform of Article 68, seeking to expand the number of presidentially nominated Members of Parliament from eight to twenty-five—with clearly defined quotas. Ten seats would be reserved for women, eight for youth, and seven for persons with disabilities.

She emphasized the need to replace discretionary language with mandatory provisions.

“We must change may nominate to shall nominate. Representation is not a favour granted by the powerful. It is a right protected by the Constitution,” she declared.

Kabemba sharply criticized previous administrations for using nomination powers to reward political allies at the expense of inclusive governance.

“Every election cycle, we hear about inclusive governance. But when it’s time to nominate MPs, it’s the same people—party insiders, business associates, loyalists. Meanwhile, women, young people, and the disabled are left out,” she said.

Kabemba described the lack of diversity in Parliament as a pattern that reinforces systemic inequality.

Turning her focus to the Head of State, Kabemba issued what she termed a “legacy challenge.”

“President Hichilema, you have the power—and the opportunity—to make history. Use your leadership to push for this amendment and end the era of selective inclusion. Don’t let this moment pass.”

She stressed that the proposed reform should transcend political affiliations.

“This is not about the UPND or the DP. This is about the future of our democracy. Every Zambian, regardless of gender, age, or ability, deserves a seat at the table.”

Kabemba’s remarks come amid growing calls from civil society and Zambia’s international partners for increased inclusion. While women make up more than 50 percent of the population, they occupy less than 20 percent of Parliamentary seats. Youth and persons with disabilities are even more poorly represented.

“If we do not legislate inclusion, then we are actively perpetuating exclusion,” Kabemba asserted. “It’s time we stopped treating women and youth as decorations in politics. They are essential to development.”

Kabemba announced that the DP would launch a national civic campaign to raise awareness about the proposed amendment.

“This will not be a boardroom discussion. We’re taking this to the communities, churches, schools, and markets. Every Zambian must understand what is at stake.”

She called on other political parties, civil society groups, and advocacy networks to join the push for reform.

“This is a collective fight. We welcome all who are ready to stand with us and fight for justice.”

In an emotional appeal, Kabemba urged Zambian women to claim their space in national leadership.

“To the women of Zambia: this is our moment. We’ve been sidelined for too long. We are not asking for handouts—we are demanding what is ours by right.”

“Let us not raise another generation of girls who believe that power belongs only to men,” she said, to resounding applause.

Kabemba concluded her address with a strong rebuke to those resisting reform.

“We’ve heard the excuses— ‘not enough qualified women,’ ‘youth are not ready,’ ‘disability is a limitation.’ These are myths that serve the status quo. We are done with excuses. We want change—and we want it in the Constitution.”

The press briefing ended with chants from DP supporters declaring, “Inclusion is a right! Not a favour!”

Kabemba’s bold proposal is expected to trigger national debate, particularly among legal scholars and political stakeholders. But if her words are any indication, the Democratic Party intends to carry this momentum to every corner of Zambia—until inclusion is no longer a political choice, but a constitutional guarantee.