PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the UPND is not the first administration to come up with the idea of amending the Constitution towards a general election year.
President Hichilema has since wondered why organisations and church groups planning to protest didn’t do so the time other administrations were amending the Constitution.
He explained that in 1991, UNIP amended the Constitution while MMD did the same in 1996 and both changes happened in election years.
He shared that in 2016, the PF under late former president Edgar Lungu amended the Constitution in January and no protests were recorded.
He said those now raising concerns and planning demonstrations were silent during those earlier periods.
“Are we the first government to amend the constitution, no. UNIP amended the constitution in the election year in 1991. MMD in 1996 under president Chiluba, amended the constitution in the election year. There was no problem, no street fights, same organisation was quiet. 2016, under PF, the constitution was amended in January. No one went in the streets. We opposed but we never went in the streets. We go to amend the constitution you say no, it’s not right,” he said.
The Head of State said violence in form of protests shall not be tolerated and those with grievances are free to go to State House and raise concerns through dialogue.
“Come to the dialogue table, any issues, this State House is always open. You can’t hide behind a church, ethnicity, regionalism or politics to promote violence. Constitutional amendment, why should it be a source of conflict in the streets. 30 civil societies came to state House to stall Bill 7, we listened. And we started consultations. There’s court, if you are aggrieved, why not go to court? Do not invite people’s children to start toy toy in the streets.”
“If a fight ensues, I will be blamed. The dialogue table is open. Instead of breaking the State House door, come inside. Select a team and come inside. Why do you want to shout outside? Because shouting, we won’t hear what you will be saying,” he advised.
The President also said it was surprising that some organisations were planning protests when they had previously written to him requesting amendments to the Constitution.
The President said this yesterday, during a press conference at State House.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 26, 2025
