Mushimba Warns Against Removing Presidential Term Limits

Organised People’s Party (OPP) president Dr Brian Mushimba has opposed calls to remove presidential term limits. He warned that such a constitutional change would weaken democratic safeguards and undermine peaceful succession. In a statement, he said the party was concerned about…

Organised People’s Party (OPP) president Dr Brian Mushimba has opposed calls to remove presidential term limits. He warned that such a constitutional change would weaken democratic safeguards and undermine peaceful succession. In a statement, he said the party was concerned about remarks from individuals aligned to those in power who are advocating the removal of the limits.

He said term limits guard against political power gathering in the hands of one individual, one party or one generation. “Presidential term limits are not an obstacle to democracy. They are one of democracy’s most important safeguards,” Dr Mushimba said.

The OPP leader said the presidency carries wide powers and commands vast resources, which is why it must remain subject to accountability and regular succession. He cautioned against any attempt to amend the Constitution to suit the interests of those holding public office. “Constitutions are not written for individuals; they are written to protect future generations,” he said.

He also answered leaders who say they need more time to complete their programmes. Such leaders should strengthen institutions and raise a new generation able to carry national programmes forward, he said. “If two terms are not enough to deliver your vision for Zambia, the answer is not to abolish the limits.”

The party also rejects proposals to extend presidential terms or scrap the 50-plus-one electoral threshold. “We therefore say ‘no’ to any selfish proposals on constitutional amendments,” Dr Mushimba said. He urged Zambians to resist any unconstitutional attempt to remove the safeguards, which he said protect the country’s democracy, peace and unity.

“These constitutional safeguards must not be removed at all,” he said. The statement did not name the individuals behind the calls, nor did it say where or when the proposals were made.

The warning arrives in the opening weeks of the 2026 to 2031 term. President Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected in August, and his Government has made economic growth the core of its second-term agenda. The Constitution has already been amended once in this cycle. The 2025 amendment, known as Bill 7, created 40 proportional representation seats for women, youth and persons with disabilities, and those members took their seats in the National Assembly this week.

Christopher Mundia, State House Special Assistant to the President for Legal Affairs, said the start of the new legislative sitting and Executive tenures marked an important chapter in the country’s democratic life. “The legacy of Bill 7 will forever be entrenched in our rich history as a country,” Mr Mundia said.

The two-term limit and the 50-plus-one threshold both remain in the Constitution. The OPP has put on record that it will oppose any attempt to change either.