Laura warns of HH 3rd term bid
By Ludia Ngwadzai
HUMAN rights activist Laura Miti has expressed concern over the growing legislative and political arrogance exhibited by President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND) administration.
Miti warned that the country could face attempts to amend the Constitution to allow a third presidential term after 2031.
In her strongly worded Facebook commentary, Miti said recent government actions had fueled fears that constitutional changes may eventually be pursued to extend Hichilema’s stay in office beyond the current two-term limit.
She cited the government’s decision to table over 70 Bills for rapid passage before the dissolution of Parliament, arguing that many of the proposed laws lacked adequate public consultation and contained controversial provisions.
“This is arrogance that says we will, because we can,” she said.
Miti criticised aspects of recent constitutional amendment proposals, saying some clauses were inserted by the government after recommendations were already submitted by the Technical Committee on Constitutional Reform.
She said cited a particular concern over changes to the formula for allocating parliamentary proportional representation (PR) seats.
Miti accused the government of altering the proposal so that Proportional Representation (PR) seat distribution would be tied to the President’s vote share rather than parliamentary election results.
She argued that such a move undermined the principle that voters should independently choose both their President and Member of Parliament, including the freedom to support candidates from different political parties.
“What that clause does is reduce the power of citizens to create a balanced Parliament, if they want it,” she said.
Miti also said the revised formula could strengthen the ruling party’s path toward securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority, a threshold required for constitutional amendments.
Despite her concerns, Miti acknowledged that she could be wrong about President Hichilema’s intentions.
“I like the guy. I hope he does not mess up himself and us that way,” she wrote.
She urged citizens to remain vigilant about constitutional and democratic developments that may emerge after the August 13 general elections.
