JCTR CONCERNED ABOUT ALLEGED FLAWED ONGOING CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PROCESS

 The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection-JCTR- has expressed deep concern over the ongoing constitutional review process, warning that the current approach risks undermining the credibility and inclusiveness needed for a truly people-driven constitution.

JCTR Deputy Director Reverend Dr. Boyd Nyirenda acknowledged the appointment of the technical committee on the constitution review as grounded under articles 92 (1), (2f) and (2j) of the constitution but cautions that the process, as currently constituted, is flawed and could erode public trust if it continues without meaningful reform.

Rev. Dr. Nyirenda has highlighted various areas of concern among them the composition of the technical committee, the consultation process, the risks to democratic consensus and the timing of the constitutional amendment process.

He notes that the committee’s composition does not adequately represent Zambia’s ethnic, regional, gender, and institutional diversity, stating that this lack of broad representation raises questions of accountability and competence.

Rev. Dr. Nyirenda has recommended the decomposition of the technical committee to ensure broad-based representation and institutional accountability, the expansion of its mandate, adoption of inclusive consultation methods and the allocation of adequate time to decouple the constitutional review process from electoral pressures among others.