CSOs Seek Fair Process

Coalition warns against rushed or politically influenced reforms.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24, (October 7, 2025) - Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called for a fair, transparent, and independent process in Zambia’s ongoing constitutional review, warning against any attempt to rush or politicize the reforms.

In a joint statement issued in Lusaka, Josiah Kalala, Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation, commended President Hakainde Hichilema for appointing a technical committee to consult the public and draft proposed amendments to the Constitution but said the process must remain open, accountable, and inclusive to win public confidence.

Mr. Kalala urged the government to guarantee the committee’s independence while providing adequate resources, noting that clear Terms of Reference were essential to guide its operations and ensure accountability.

He said transparency through public hearings, timely publication of draft reports, and regular updates would foster trust and genuine participation.

He also called for easy access to past constitutional review and delimitation reports to promote informed citizen engagement.

Mr. Kalala emphasized that the review process must involve all sectors of society, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.

He appealed to committee members to approach their work with integrity and impartiality, putting national interest above personal or political gain.

He further called for a clear roadmap outlining the pre-drafting, drafting, and post-enactment phases, developed through stakeholder consultation and guided by best practices.

He cautioned that the process should not be hurried to align with the 2026 general elections, stressing that Zambia needs “a durable constitution, not a rushed political amendment.”

Mr. Kalala noted that risk assessment and mitigation measures were essential to protect the process from manipulation and ensure credible outcomes.

He added that the CSOs proposed a dedicated constitutional review law to clearly define the committee’s mandate, procedures, timelines, and accountability mechanisms, warning that without such legislation, the process could face ambiguity and political interference.

He reaffirmed the CSOs’ commitment to supporting a transparent, inclusive, and accountable process that reflects the will of the Zambian people and strengthens governance.

The statement was signed by Josiah Kalala on behalf of 37 organisations, including ActionAid Zambia, the Law Association of Zambia, the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP), Transparency International Zambia, the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC), and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). Others:

1. Activista – Solwezi Chapter

2. Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation

3. Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia

4. Alliance for Community Action

5. Back to School Youth Initiative Group

6. Caritas Solwezi

7. Centre for Trade Policy and Development

8. Chapter One Foundation

9. Christian Churches Monitoring Group

10. Civil Society for Poverty Reduction

11. Council Churches of Zambia

12. Democratic Governance and Human Rights Activists

13. Development 360

14. Digital Pages Initiative – Solwezi Chapter

15. Eastern Visionary Youths

16. Free Press Initiative

17. Kwayedza Youth Community Group

18. Lizu Community Network

19. Lucy Grand Foundation

20. Mine Workers Union of Zambia

21. Nakonde Human Rights Defenders

22. Panos Institute of Southern Africa

23. Peoples Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia

24. Question and Answer Youth Project

25. Royal Classic Nation Albanism Organisation

26. Vision 40 Youth Foundation

27. Visionary Impact Foundation

28. Vision Zambia Initiative

29. Young Development and Health Focus

30. Young Men Christian Association

31. Zambia Council for Social Development