Parley must reject third term – Shakafuswa

By BARNABAS ZULU PARLIAMENT should reject any attempt by the UPND to amend the Constitution and expunge the presidential term limit and facilitate a third term for President Hakainde Hichilema because the law should never be tailored to suit individuals,” Jonas Shakafuswa has said. Mr Shakafuswa, a veteran politician and former deputy minister says a Constitution should be designed to withstand changes in leadership and should not be altered to accommodate the interests of a particular person or group. “The Constitution has to stand the test of time. When you tailor a Constitution to a person or individuals, it usually fails the test of time. You live to regret as a nation,” he said. Mr Shakafuswa said leaders change over time and warned that constitutional safeguards should therefore not be weakened for the benefit of those in power. “People and individuals come in different forms. Power changes them. A sheep will be a wolf tomorrow. Only foolish people would tamper with their safeguards against the test of time,” he said. He said the arguments and principles that guided the country in rejecting attempts by late President Edgar Lungu to seek a third term should remain relevant. “We fought ECL’s attempts at third term despite him only being President for less than 10 years. The reasoning and resolve behind our rejection should stand today,” Mr Shakafuswa said. He said Members of Parliament had a responsibility to act in the interests of the people rather than pursue personal interests. “That is the reason we refer to members of Parliament as honourable. They need to be honourable in their character in their discharge of the affairs on behalf of the people of Zambia, not their selfish motives,” he said. Mr Shakafuswa said constitutional amendments should not be designed around individuals because future leaders could use such provisions to justify actions that citizens may later regret. “A Constitution should never be tailored around an individual. A bad leader will rule one day reminding you his rule is lawful according to a bad Constitution you allowed today,” he said.

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