11,860 Citizens Weigh In
By Francis Maingaila
LUSAKA, Zambia — A total of 11,860 citizens submitted their views on proposed constitutional amendments, marking one of the highest levels of public participation in Zambia’s constitutional history, as President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday received the Technical Committee’s Report and Draft Bill at State House.
Committee Vice-Chairperson Landilani Banda presented the documents on behalf of Committee Chairperson, retired Justice Christopher Mushabati, who was unable to attend due to a bereavement following the loss of his son. Banda said the Chairperson sent greetings, gratitude, and deep regret for his absence.
Banda revealed that the 11,860 submissions were collected within a two-month period, describing the response as unprecedented compared to previous constitutional review processes, which took several years to gather similar volumes.
He said the Technical Committee, appointed on 2 October 2025, executed its mandate independently, with extensive internal debates and consultations shaping the final outcome.
The Committee conducted physical sittings in all provincial centres, virtual district engagements, and oral submissions in English, local languages, and sign language.
Written submissions were received through boxes placed at local authorities countrywide.
Banda highlighted that, for the first time, citizens—including those in the diaspora—submitted views through a dedicated website and email, marking a historic technological milestone in Zambia’s constitutional processes.
The proceedings of the Committee were televised from start to finish to ensure maximum transparency.
Banda praised citizens for using everyday digital devices to participate, noting that the integration of technology increased efficiency and reduced costs.
He expressed gratitude to the public for their patriotism, as well as government departments, local authorities, the Zambia Police Service, and the Zambia Air Force for logistical support.
Traditional leaders, persons with disabilities, religious groups, student unions, labour organisations, business representatives, and the wider public were also commended for their contributions.
Banda stated that the Committee believed the report and Draft Bill captured the “wishes and aspirations of the people of Zambia.”
Responding, President Hichilema commended the Committee for the work it had undertaken on behalf of the Zambian people.
He said the Committee delivered its assignment despite various challenges and noted that no previous constitutional review commission compares to the 2025 Committee, which collected 11,860 submissions in just two months.
The President applauded the Committee for its speed, independence, and resourcefulness, saying the exercise demonstrated the government’s commitment to prudence.
He noted that while previous processes required years to gather similar volumes of submissions, the present team achieved the same outcome in just two months.
President Hichilema added that the next stages of the constitutional review process will now proceed promptly, emphasising that the Constitution belongs to the people and that its amendment must follow proper legal channels.
He welcomed the Committee’s confirmation that its work proceeded without interference.
The Draft Bill and accompanying report will now enter the next stages of the constitutional review framework.
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