Chief Chikaza Munyama of the Ila people of Itezhi-tezhi district has urged Members of Parliament to put the national interest first as they debate the Constitutional Amendments Bill number seven in the National Assembly. The traditional leader said lawmakers, whether from the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) or the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), were elected to serve the country and must therefore ensure that deliberations reflect the will and interests of the Zambian people. “They should look at national interest first.
Whether they are from UPND or PF, they are there to work for the nation. When they go there, they should ensure that whatever is discussed is in the interest of the nation,” he said. Chief Chikaza Munyama added that constitutional reforms were no longer a matter of debate regarding whether or not they should be undertaken, noting that the country had already endorsed the process following widespread consultations.
“As far as I am concerned, these constitutional reforms are not a debate anymore. We have already endorsed them through consultations countrywide. So when they go there, they should do what we have told them,” he said.
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The chief was commenting on the Constitutional Amendments Bill No. 7, currently before parliament being scrutinised by a parliamentary select committee appointed by the Speaker. The committee is expected to present its report on 15thDecember 2025.
Meanwhile, Itezhi-Tezhi Member of Parliament, Twaambo Mutinta, said he has extensively consulted residents of his constituency and will vote yes when the bill is tabled for voting. “My people have guided me to support the provisions that will be put on the floor of the House on Monday by the parliamentary select committee under Bill seven. The chiefs of Itezhi-Tezhi, youths, civil servants and the church have all stated what they want to see in Bill seven,” Mr Mutinta said.
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