THE Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has withdrawn it’s steps from the ongoing constitutional review process, alleging that government is conducting a stage-managed and non inclusive exercise.
According to the organisation, the public consultation spearheaded by the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments lacks credibility, transparency and accountability.
NGOCC board chairperson Beauty Katebe insisted that the process is merely a continuation of the rejected constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, which many stakeholders viewed as politically driven.
Katebe said it would not lend legitimacy to what she described as a pre-determined constitutional process designed to serve political interests rather than national consensus.
“We cannot be part of a process whose outcome appears to have been decided long before consultations even began,” stated Katebe.
She believed that the exercise is aimed at influencing the 2026 general elections rather than producing a constitution that strengthens democracy and protects citizens’ rights.
Katebe also noted that the composition of the technical committee lacks broad representation from youth, women and persons with disabilities, key groups whose inclusion is vital to a fair national dialogue.
“Members were appointed in their individual capacities rather than as official representatives of stakeholder institutions, and there is a noticeable absence of youth and persons with disabilities, key demographics whose voices are vital to any credible reform process,” she said.
“The Committee’s Terms of Reference also emphasise political and electoral matters at the expense of critical socio-economic rights, further narrowing the scope of meaningful reform.”
Katebe further urged citizens to reject the constitution and instead, advocate for a people centered process built on transparency, accountability and genuine participation.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 29, 2025
