THE Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has expressed deep concern over proposed constitutional amendments seeking to abolish term limits for mayors and council chairpersons, warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent for removing presidential term limits in the future.
John Sauti, JCTR’s Faith and Justice Programme Officer, issued a statement yesterday cautioning that if Article 154(2b) is amended as proposed, the President would become the only elected official in Zambia subject to term limits.
“This sets a dangerous precedent: future constitutional amendments could plausibly argue for removing presidential term limits on the same basis,” Mr. Sauti warned.
He said Zambia has, in recent years, grappled with widespread corruption involving both current and former elected officials, coupled with governance inefficiencies.
“In this context, it would be far more appropriate for the Government to propose the introduction of term limits across all elected positions—including President, Members of Parliament, councillors, mayors, and council chairpersons,” Mr. Sauti said.
According to JCTR, implementing term limits for all political office holders would strengthen Zambia’s democratic principles, curb entrenched power, and promote accountability.Mr. Sauti added that such a move would also affirm the President’s public stance that “there are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption,” while giving credibility to the Government’s anti-corruption agenda.
The JCTR has urged civil society, faith-based organisations, and the public to engage critically with the proposed amendments and defend the democratic gains enshrined in Zambia’s Constitution.
