UPND Distances Itself From Calls to Remove Presidential Term Limit The UPND says it will not be held responsible for statements by individuals advocating the removal of the presidential term limit, stating that such individuals are speaking without official party authorization. UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa told Phoenix News that members commenting on the matter are […]

UPND Distances Itself From Calls to Remove Presidential Term Limit

The UPND says it will not be held responsible for statements by individuals advocating the removal of the presidential term limit, stating that such individuals are speaking without official party authorization.

UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa told Phoenix News that members commenting on the matter are merely exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and do not represent the party’s official position.

Mr. Mweetwa said the UPND has just come out of a highly competitive election and is currently taking time to regroup before making clear pronouncements on key national issues.

He said the party and the Government will, in the coming days, clearly state their positions on matters of national interest and communicate them to Zambians who have given the UPND the mandate to govern.

Meanwhile, the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has warned against attempts to scrap the two-term presidential limit, following the launch of a Western Province-led campaign dubbed Project 2090.

This comes after Western Province residents, led by Chairperson Suzyo Nguni, announced plans to petition the Speaker of the National Assembly and Members of Parliament to remove the presidential term limit.

However, SACCORD Executive Director Arthur Muyunda told Phoenix News that Zambia is a constitutional democracy and has already agreed on how leadership transition should be handled.

He said while democracy allows for debate, the discussion must be realistic and grounded in thorough analysis, stressing that term limits protect against the concentration of power and removing them would undermine Zambia’s democratic gains.

— Phoenix FM