Why limit presidential term? – Liswaniso

By BARNABAS ZULU ZAMBIANS rather than constitutional restrictions should have the final say to have President Hakainde Hichilema stay in power beyond his constitutional term limit as there is no rationale in limiting the terms the head of State should serve, Gilbert Liswaniso has declared. Mr Liswaniso, the UPND national youth chairperson says there is no reason why the presidency should be subjected to term limits when other elected positions, including Members of Parliament and councillors, do not face the same restriction. “Councillors have no limit, Council Chairpersons now have no limits, Members of Parliament have no limit. Why do you want to limit only one person?” Why do you want to limit the President alone” Mr Liswaniso said. Mr Liswaniso said even if President Hakainde Hichilema was allowed to seek another term, it would ultimately be the electorate that determines whether he remains in office. “Who removes people from power? Is it not the voters? Even if he stands and the people do not want him, they will vote him out,” he said. He said the third term debate for President Hichilema did not warrant extensive debate within the UPND, arguing that the party had the ability to make its own decision on the matter if members reached an agreement. “For me, there is no discussion here. If you were to ask me, there’s no discussion here. If the UPND wants that, they can do it, yes. Do we want it as a party? If it is agreed, yes,” Mr Liswaniso said. He, however, maintained that the ultimate decision should rest with the people, who have the power to reject any candidate at the ballot. “So, why do you want to put a term limit on Hakainde Hichilema? You put a limit on the people of Zambia?” Mr Liswaniso asked.

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