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By HOPE MUSONDA
Chirundu Aspiring parliamentary candidate and lawyer Inambao Milupi has delivered a mixed assessment of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, saying he supports some proposed changes but strongly opposes others, especially the restricted Terms of Reference (ToR) given to the Technical Committee.
Mr Milupi said many citizens had sought his views on the Bill, prompting him to respond publicly.
He explained that while he agrees with certain clauses, he disagrees with both the scope and some substantive amendments proposed.
Mr Milupi welcomed the delimitation of constituencies, supporting the planned increase of parliamentary seats from 156 to 211.
However, he insisted that the delimitation report must be made public to dispel fears that the process may favour political strongholds.
He noted that stakeholders “cannot be blamed” for raising concerns when the report remains locked away in offices.
He also expressed support for revised nomination procedures, arguing that they will reduce wastage of resources by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
But Mr Milupi criticised the Technical Committee’s ToR, saying limiting submissions to only 13 clauses undermined public participation.
He argued that the Constitution belongs to the people and citizens should have been free to propose amendments beyond the predetermined list.
On the proposed inclusion of Members of Parliament in councils, Mr Milupi rejected the idea, saying MPs already have clear responsibilities in Parliament and related committees.
He questioned who would fund additional travel to their constituencies and argued that MPs should not sit in councils where local representatives have already been elected.
Mr Milupi also opposed the abolition of by-elections, saying democracy was expensive but essential, and sending unelected individuals to Parliament would “assault democracy.”
He further called for revised qualifications for positions such as Secretary to the Cabinet, Auditor General, judges and ministers, stressing that some current office holders do not meet existing standards.
He supported appointing ministers from outside Parliament to allow MPs to focus on legislative duties.
Mr Milupi stressed that his views were expressed in his personal capacity and not on behalf of any party or organisation, adding that as a patriot he speaks out on constitutional matters even when he keeps silent on other political issues.
