REBUTTAL TO CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS By Brebner Changala I have noted with concern statements by Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki, MP for Kazungula North, calling for the removal of presidential term limits on grounds that they “hinder development.” I respectfully and firmly disagree. 1. Term Limits Enable Development, They Don’t Hinder It. […]

REBUTTAL TO CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS

By Brebner Changala

I have noted with concern statements by Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki, MP for Kazungula North, calling for the removal of presidential term limits on grounds that they “hinder development.”

I respectfully and firmly disagree.

1. Term Limits Enable Development, They Don’t Hinder It.

Development is not built by one individual but by strong institutions, policies, and systems that outlive any president. The most developed nations in the world have term limits. What hinders development is corruption, weak institutions, policy inconsistency and lack of accountability, all of which get WORSE when term limits are removed.

2. Zambia’s History Has Taught Us This Lesson.

Zambia fought hard to introduce term limits in 1991 after the one party state failed to deliver development despite unlimited tenure. Attempts to remove term limits in 2001 were rejected by Zambians because we understand that unlimited power leads to patronage, not progress.

*3. “Good Leadership” Must Be Tested Through Democracy, Not Protected From It.*

If a president is truly performing, his party and his vision should be able to produce a successor to continue his programmes. The argument that “two terms are not enough for HH” is an insult to the UPND and to Zambia. Are we saying UPND has only one capable leader?

True legacy is building systems that work after you leave, not staying forever to oversee them.

4. Continuity Should Not Mean Life Presidency.

The lawmaker argues projects stall when leadership changes. The solution is strong national development planning through the National Development Plan and strengthened institutions, not removing term limits.

Projects stall because of political vindictiveness and lack of institutional continuity, problems that term limits actually cure by preventing personalization of projects.

5. The Constitution Serves the People, Not the President.

The Constitution is not meant to “enable effective leadership where a leader is delivering.” It is meant to protect the nation from the abuse of power, even by a good leader. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Term limits are the ultimate safeguard against dictatorship.

*6. The Grow Zambia Agenda Needs Stability of Institutions, Not Tenure of One Man.*

Investors and citizens need confidence that Zambia is a democracy governed by law, where leadership changes peacefully and predictably. Removing term limits creates political instability, not stability.

I therefore call upon all Zambians to reject any attempt to remove presidential term limits. Let us instead focus on:

– Strengthening institutions
– Respecting the current Constitution
– Building a Zambia where development continues regardless of who is in State House

Two terms are enough to lay a foundation. If a leader cannot develop Zambia in 10 years, an extra term will not help him.

Say No to Removal of Term Limits. Yes to Democracy.