Oasis Forum Chairperson, Beauty Katebe, has urged opposition political parties to end internal confusion and rally behind a single presidential contender. Katebe said the growing trend of multiple aspirants emerging from the same political blocs was weakening the effectiveness of the opposition. Speaking during a courtesy visit by opposition political parties to the Oasis Forum to offer solidarity over its stance on constitutional amendments, Katebe advised the parties to identify one or two capable leaders.
She expressed disappointment that the ruling UPND was taking advantage of fragmentation in the opposition and “doing things with impunity,” including the re-introduction of Bill 7 to Parliament without listening to divergent views. “Let me take this opportunity to also ask that you the opposition should consider choosing one or two leaders to challenge the UPND. This thing of everyone wanting to be a President is weakening the opposition,” Katebe emphasized.
She stressed that the fight against the constitutional amendment process was not partisan, but centered on the integrity of the constitutional process. “We are not dwelling on individual clauses but on the process, which is flawed. Bill 7 threatens the independence of the three arms of government.
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If the Executive dominates the Legislature and Judiciary, Zambians lose the protection of a fair and independent governance system,” Katebe said. Earlier, United Liberal Party (ULP) President, Sakwiba Sikota, called on political leaders and civil society actors to remain vigilant in defending the Constitution. “The message to the committee is clear: those who make the wrong decisions will face the scrutiny of the people, civil society, and the church.
The winning side is always with the people,” Sikota said. He warned that rushed constitutional changes could threaten the independence of government institutions. Similarly, People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) President Andyford Banda said constitutional reforms should be people-driven rather than dictated by the interests of a few individuals in power.
“The process of recreating the Constitution has been rushed and manipulated. We stand in solidarity with those defending the democratic order,” Banda said. United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Trevor Mwamba framed opposition to Bill 7 in moral and ethical terms, highlighting justice, truth, and accountability.
“Opposing Bill 7 is not about personalities. It is about principle and standing for what is right,” Mwamba said.
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