The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zambia have received widespread acclaim for their bold stance against the proposed constitutional amendment roadmap. The 21 organisations, through a joint press statement, rejected the current reform process, citing concerns over lack of credibility, inclusivity, and transparency.
Socialist Party member and activist Thompson Luzendi praised the CSOs for the historic stand in defence of democracy, stating that they demonstrated clarity, courage, and conviction. He has warned that the proposed amendments seem to serve the interests of a single political party rather than the broader Zambian public.
Luzendi says the CSOs’ rejection of the roadmap echoes concerns of millions of Zambians worried about democratic backsliding, manipulation of institutions, and threats to the rule of law. He has emphasised that any constitutional reform must be people-led, participatory, and grounded in genuine national dialogue.