LAZ speaks out on extension of term of office

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says it is gravely concerned by the recent proposal by the ruling Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Paul Moonga,that the constitutional presidential term of office be extended from five years to seven years.

In a statement, LAZ president Linda Kasonde says the purported rational for this proposal that it is expensive to hold elections every five years is flawed.

Ms Kasonde notes that in a democracy, a government derives its legitimacy from the people of that country.

She says because democracy is a form of government of the people, for the people and by the people, the process of consulting the people of a nation over who should be their leaders is not cheap.

Ms Kasonde adds that the whole essence of democracy is that the people of a nation should have the freedom to vote in leaders of their choice and vote them out when they fail to deliver on their promises to a nation.

She says LAZ is of the opinion that any attempt to extend the constitutional presidential term of office threatens that freedom of choice.

Ms Kasonde states that Mr. Moonga’s proposal is reminiscent of the third term debate that arose in 2000 when suggestions were made that the Constitution should be amended to allow President Frederick Chiluba to stand for a third term in office.

She says LAZ believes that how and when Zambia’s leaders can be elected into office is a fundamental part of the Constitution and should not be tampered with lightly.