PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMITS; DOES THE PRESIDENT NEED MORE TIME?

You are watching this public debate brought to you in partnership with PANOS. This debate is a platform for members of the public to get an understanding of the legal backing of extending a presidential term limit in Zambia and if it can be done.
Members of the main panel:
Hon. George Chisanga - Lukashya Member of Parliament (MP)(PF)
Hon. Harry Kamboni - Kalomo Central Member of Parliament (MP)(UPND)
Ngosa Simachela - Legal Practitioner
Laura Miti - Alliance for Community Action-ACA Executive Director

[@brianchiyembo4379]

Laura miti and mr chisenga,have spoken truth and so open.How i wish zambians can consider Laura's proposal.

[@MichaelKani-z8f]

Awesome meeting of minds, especially that of hon chisanga and Ms miti

[@Pjaxmuk]

We need more of this, well done Diamond👏👏👏👏

[@user-nv1sx8pf2u]

Good work Diamond TV. I need a power bank to continue watching these good programmes.

[@kalimalaban]

1

[@misheckmwanza1374]

While the five year term is good enough, there is need to have binding rules for transfer of power from one ruling party to another. In today's system, the losing administration just abandons the office without any proper handover. This results in the new team having to start from nowhere. We saw the recent example where UPND took more than one year to carry out what they called an audit just to establish where the other team left. That was one year gone out of the five years. In addition, the fifth year is wasted on campaigns for the next term.

[@frederickchikoti3779]

I get your point on handover, however, take note that the state is administered by civil servants. These do not leave office with an exiting ruling party. If we have issues with handovers, it may be because we have politised the civil service such that we cannot have confidence in it and need to "audit" the state upon assuming office. There is no legal constitutional provision for this. That is why I believe that zambians should get used to the idea of returning political parties to power when ousted. This ensures that we have parties with institutional memory of how governments work. We can't have people learning on the job every time we change government

[@honeybadger-n6k]

We need a transition period true

[@josephkalumba3607]

Truly I agree with you but again the issue is not transition of power the issue is the party in power and the president who doesn't want to have anything g to do with the previous administration more over we all know our president Hh came into power as the mr know it all and this is why they took long to audit and lie that the previous administration left nothing in the coffers one thing I believe is that you can do anything in any given time frame provided you have a plan in place more over upnd is not the first party in power so the issue of failing to deliver should never be connected to transition of power No

[@Zoe186]

The other thing the winning party acts harshly and judgementally against the ruling, prompting them to leave the offices. There must be a balance.

[@mosesbwanga8499]

Indeed we need to have a rule that stipulates what kind of office the outgoing should hand over to the incoming such as money in the treasury among other things

[@douglaskawamwilu8966]

Five-year is enough. What runs the country is a political party, not personal.

[@SiamupaManyando]

For development to take place we must to do away with directors and permanent secretaries being appointed by the president. Doing so brings people who have to learn their work first before they start to deliver. Our directors and permanent secretaries must be people who have risen through the system through promotions. As long as these top civil servants continue to be appointed by sitting presidents they will always be considered by incoming governments as political stooges for the outgoing ones, therefore they will fire them and bring in their own.

[@Allideas.]

Power has the tendance to corrupt and when the term is long it means the people will have to endure bad governance the longest and when the administration is effective you want them go further , on that basis i think 5years two terms is good enough but they must legally binding obligation to the outgoing government to properly hand over national projects

[@christonmwaipopo7643]

Such programs a must to have Diamond, well done.

[@rachealmoyo-tq3nw]

Democracy without strong guiding principles will never develop a nation. E.G we want to make a bicycle with all material available but with different ideas on how to make it and we a given 5min each to assemble the bike. You will see the first person starting with spikes the moment is finishing one wheel his time is up another one is elected he wastes 2min blaming the guy who started with spike and another 3min undoing the spikes, another one is elected only to start with assembling the fork and so on. That how democracy without guiding principles is. I am not saying democracy is bad, but we need defined rules and guidelines on transition of power.

[@johnmasongo201]

I hold the same opinion Democracy on thrives when you have strong independent governance systems of which we lack in Zambia

[@mushroompecker9194]

It should actually 4 years with a 2 year limit for Ministers.

[@majorbotha1072]

Kalomo Central is a mess yet the honourable speaks good English and sense...

[@GodfredMundunda]

Debet, not finger pointing and person.🤫🤫🤫

[@majorbotha1072]

@@GodfredMundunda Debate with who exactly 😅

[@MapaloManda-g9g]

Diamond has done it imwee hope the current government is listening very educative debate teyabana imwe

[@reubenjedidiahchipemba1608]

On POA politicians have not been honest,while in opposition they see the evil side of it, but once in government it becomes an angel.

[@lupiyazambia286]

This is very recommendable continue with such programs

[@Zoe186]

THANK YOU LAURA MITI FIR THAT TRUTH THAT KULI BALI NA MANTA👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@reubenjedidiahchipemba1608]

Indeed we should not stumble into leadership,we should prepare ourselves for leadership like other aspects of life. Secondly the idea of amending the constitution and using it to fix our perceived opponents should be stopped and never entertained, am glad to see such progressive minds the likes of the two Lawmakers,they sound very sober👏👏

[@isaiah1993]

🎉🎉❤❤ Nice one kindly make this video downloadable

[@KelvinMutale-sl9bf]

Indeed we need more of this information or debate

[@Zoe186]

In 4 years, USA, presidents work leaving Good marks, while in 5 years and desired longer terms, some African presidents have little or nothing to point at. Very Sad😢😢

[@priorityyouth]

The president doesn't need more time. What the president needs is to stop playing partisan politics and focus on the wellbeing of the country. If that were to happen, the 5-year run wouldn't seem so short. The country's long-term goals should be embraced by each political party that comes into power. The lack of adherence to national goals is what makes the country's economic development to stall, because each political party has their own 5-year agenda to achieve. Lack of National long term agendas is why we are even having this loadshedding problem right now.

[@JamesSakala-xh1eg]

We are supporting you daimond TV

[@klassikkustard4828]

Well done diamond you are truly a jewel

[@NkhataGivenjay]

I think we need more of these debates than rallies I mean political parties, presidents should be having these platforms to answer questions from the general public I must confess that I really enjoyed this debate and I realized that Zambians are too Wise to be fooled by these politicians.

[@BLUE23.709]

Well done Diamond, wish ZNBC could open the comment section on its KZbin posts

[@EliasKapendwe]

We gave you the rules,yet we never in the rules said u should raise the standards of living,long hours of loadsheding on us.... I mean do these selected leaders even follow the given rules by the people of the country? Rather we the people become victims of fear and accept the rules made by the people we put I office indirectly...just thinking out loud

[@BLUE23.709]

Diamond is really doing a good job boi. I am following

[@elpidiusmwape7170]

Very impressive debate. I like the panel the way they are presenting their points . I give the debate A+

[@mosesbwanga8499]

Awesome conversation, am pleased with the party reps' contributions so far, but I am not so happy with Miti's submissions she is not tip top as visual mmm

[@luthan7968]

Well done Diamond...only thing is the moderators questions are extremely long winded.

[@jehulameck7088]

We need more of this, Kudos Diamond TV 👏🏼 💯

[@manasemwanza675]

More of these debates is the way to go. Congratulations diamond tv

[@victorsinyangwe1408]

The term limit is for the president and not the party

[@SililoSililo-zy6os]

we need more of these debates, is the way to go, or perhaps the reverse. what I mean is that only a few were able to offer long-term, innovation ideas, while others focused on complaints and historical perspectives. Perhaps if we had more inspired young politicians on the panel, along with experienced individuals in position of power as the audience, we could create a space for the innovative minds to share their ideas as well. this would allow us to learn and grow. blending science with an art. I like the way the legal practitioner came out with each point, we need to rule this country more a an organization and less of a system .

[@jonathanmbewe7341]

Congratulations diamond TV for always being innovative. These are things we need

[@MM-np4md]

Diamond is definitely being innovative by encouraging dialogue on issues affecting us together with the politicians

[@wanjitamtambo7461]

Well done Diamond TV. Looking forward to the Presidential Debate very soon. Keep it up.

[@eliaschewe5126]

Honaurable from Kalomo you are a leader you deserve respect

[@Zoe186]

BALAFWA. That’s true Laura.

[@josephnyirongo4889]

Sound Engineer you had one job, otherwise this is great content.

[@JulietLonga-p5t]

In my opinion, two terms are not enough but five years is okay for people to vote on whether the current president should be given another term. We get poor services from the president elected in order for them to give something they can show for, but sometimes quality takes time. If a president has been fighting corruption for ten years and then we elect a president who promotes corruption, that is a problem. If the benefits and the elected president is doing the best, I think he can continue for as many terms as possible. I see no point of changing

[@saviorlm]

Good debate. I propose that for the next debate, let's have The Public Order Act as the topic of discussing.

[@gehazimuduli5957]

Good food for thought... Thinking within and without the box...

[@emmanuelsinyangwe4288]

Very interesting debating

[@mrgreatzambia]

This is awesome, i love the show....

[@beatwelphiri616]

If serious 5 years is enough and the rest is corruption

[@choolwehimoonga9027]

I find the topic misplaced. Generally, there is NO discussion around extending the term of office.

[@simushi8915]

Very insightful program. Keep it up, Diamond TV

[@mosesbwanga8499]

I don't agree with the extension of the presidential term due to the risks associated with prolonging the tenure of leaders who may have missed opportunities or misused their power. The five-year term serves as an important safeguard for citizens, protecting them from ineffective, corrupt, or authoritarian leadership. When leaders fail to deliver on their promises, this term limit provides the public with a timely mechanism to hold them accountable by voting them out. Additionally, shorter terms encourage leaders to act with urgency and implement necessary reforms quickly. Well-performing leaders can show their progress within this period, pushing forward essential development and policy changes that address the immediate needs of the citizens. In contrast, longer terms could foster complacency and reduce the incentive to perform efficiently, potentially leading to stagnation or regressive governance. Therefore, a shorter term not only ensures that citizens have control but also promotes a faster pace of progress when competent leaders are in power

[@darlingtonbwalya9240]

Enjoyable ✌️

[@vincentmukuka]

Five years is ok but they should really handover properly.

[@StanleyMuchabi-cb8pq]

we need more of these conversations

[@EdinahMambwe]

point well spoken 🎉❤

[@PeterMulenga-qj2jo]

The issue is to leave a foot print/ a legacy look at how long it took for MMD then when they came in office after UNIP to sort out transport problem. it did not take long.. The two term should just continue.

[@johnbanda5632]

Just like in proquierment there are rules that governs how a business should be done for example if you have proquiered to build a road or say a building first and foremost just before you do anything first stage of tender process they will give a specific time frame when you get a document to study it before you submit it so one of the condition first will be time for submission if you delay to meet the given time you are deemed disqualified and also when you have had been given a contract and fail to deliver in a given stupleted period you will be surcharged what is known as liquidated damage so each time you going into any business first thing you do is a research and also one needs to enquire about the business you are going into to minimize making a lot of mistakes and waste so precious time to deliver so politician have a great deal to learn good governance and also understand the history of the world country they are intending to govern before they dive on board failure to do this it will be dangerous disastrous for one such a people to attempt to go into the office Good bless my simple observation ya

[@zangulakozm5526]

You have missed something.I wanted to hear how mwanawasa defeated his own chiluba just after he became president and how chiluba willingfully fought our kk.

[@nixonkachusha8328]

Our republican constitution is guide in all constitutional matters, President HH has not categorically stated that he wants to extend his tenure of office,for him to say the lacunas in our constitution may delay elections for 8 to 9 yrs,it only meant we have the mammoth task to fix or refine our constitution to fit all in the shortest period time.laws are made by the Parliamentarian who represent the electorate,in short we don't have such a situation in Zambia to cause an alarm,we still have a two term of presidential office for 5 times 2 if he pleases the electorates.

[@sonachij]

INCREASE FOR WHAT MMMMMM WE HAVE TO REDUCE TO 4

[@j.yamikanizulu272]

This is a very interesting conversation....insightful

[@abelsichilima4281]

Guys this good 👍 thanks diamond tv

[@andrewphiri6372]

This is great 👍👍

[@KangwaChibulu]

Reduce the Term to 4years just 4yrs ,No one is Force to be president ,Complaining over predissessor is non go ,He who go 4 war doesn't celebrate like one coming from war

[@LazarousChewe]

Countries with open ended tenure of office are stable. America has only two major parties its either the DENS or GOP. China, Rwanda are stable. The rest is basically noise making.

[@mishelmwewamichael6283]

Yes bring the leaders here for more articulation

[@Zoe186]

Yes Speaker must be elected by the MULYA MWINE BABOMBA BY THE MPs.

[@bornstudio917]

Its a good discussion, however you guys nearly went off a number of times. Please you should have kept the topic ''Presidential Term'' going unlike discussing democracy.

[@charliekayongo1603]

We choose democracy which is defined as by the people for the people meaning it is given by the people to work for their goods. We don't want dictatorship to develop need persons that have plans for the people not for their goods so if they don't have plans for the country to develop it let them pack and go not hiding in in time, we need development not stollyz

[@user-nv1sx8pf2u]

Good work diamond

[@1sikanyikajerry]

Making decisions because of a person will lead to future problems

[@StaricoKamulamba]

Kudos to you jona

[@Zoe186]

INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY INDEED!

[@jamesbanda7069]

I would rather i have Rwanda kind of democracy than a Sithole

[@Kwise01]

How would you feel if your relatives kept on disappearing

[@pcmukanda4672]

Good contribution from all panelist. Interesting and educative....but became a broadway discussion especially that the Topic missed it's intention and purpos, however, good learning ground and don't fill such forums with students, but both potentially politically intrestees from ruling and opposition parties. This will balance and unfold many wrong laws both acted on now and previously. I'm not discrediting the many youths, but hope to see more Civic leaders and retired politicians in the audience to maximise questions to the panelist. Next time, move places even on the same topic....let it be deliberated on by others in other towns as Zambian is not Lusaka nor Lusaka... Zambia. DrH DrH Dr7 2031

[@LucianoChakamba-jv9nf]

Fine (5) years term is enough to deliver just from word go UNIP started it.

[@ovettembanga3456]

Good program. Next time bring people with opposing views because it a debate.

[@johnchangwe5059]

2 term's years each 5

[@alistermboozi4953]

Bring ECL and Lusambo on such programmes next time😅

[@StanleyMuchabi-cb8pq]

I like this kalomo mp he speak sense

[@frederickchikoti3779]

Awe, the moderator is debating the panel because they have, rightly refused to agree with the proposition

[@chilubakaoma1961]

Good debate but my opinion on this matter, term limits should be reduced. Having it minimized will have the government of the day concentrate on work that needs to be done. That 5 years should be reduced to 3 years....

[@richardhajanika9821]

I think 4 years would be better but overall I agree with you. I also believe that we need term limits for MPs, maximum of 2 terms.

[@NdoloAdams]

This is a way to go,

[@paolorossi784]

Nope, 5 years is just ok. We can review later but not now.

[@kaluyasimbi8264]

The two men ran away from the first question of the PF not having enough time....they dodged it somehow

[@shamatembamelvin1023]

This is amazing diamond tv we need more of more these conversations

[@temboisaacpep2648]

Making a decision for an individual it will plough a seed of disaster 5 years it's enough

[@felixmiyoba2851]

Democracy a harm to zambian development,beacuse everyone wants what they want hence time moves and hence no developments takes place period.

[@PeterPhiri-kw4rd]

the sound is bad, please sound engineers do something.

[@user-so7ke7ry2o]

Zambia like talking,meetings,funtions,church.Working is not their favorit.

[@frederickchikoti3779]

This is a very strange debate. No one on the panel is advocating for the proposition. I think the media is out of touch with the realities of the people and what matters to them

[@PaulHimoonga]

Exactly my observation. The media should have searched out there for individuals who probably are pro 7 year term

[@josephkalengalupuishi4124]

This debate is very good. Let Jonah come to rural areas with the same debate. Joseph Chinsali

[@robertchisupa6997]

THIS IS A CONVERSATION NOT DEBATE

[@kayulal.sinkala8404]

Thanks Laura. I was wondering where this is coming from. Who wants to change the term?

[@frederickchikoti3779]

Who is debating this issue? This is divesionary

[@paolorossi784]

Stick to watching coco melon. This is beyond your mental processing capacity.

[@davidsiame4078]

​@@paolorossi784😂😂😂 you can talk

[@munsanjemweene]

How is it that all your panelists did was tell you that your debate topic was stupid? Lol. Did they agree to get on stage just so that they could tear down the conversation? Unproductive patronizing lectures throughout. At the end of the day, 5 years is an arbitrary choice for a term limit. It is conceivable for the optimal limit to be fewer or greater than 5 years. Suppose the term limit was actually 18 months. Would it be absurd to debate whether 5 years actually made more sense? Miti's opening contribution was unhelpful and a little disingenuous. Why dismiss the question in the preface to your answer? Your job as a panelist is to earnestly contemplate the question and answer it to the best of your ability. The preface reeked of censorship. Zambians, whether a group of 5 or 5 million, can contemplate any question relating to the management and administration of the nation. Just because you're not in rooms where people are asking particular questions about the structure of the nation, does not mean you should dismiss those conversations as absurd and dangerous. I think the question of why a leader or party would want more time should be separate from the question of "what is the optimal number of years that maximizes the likelihood of an administration completing its agenda". The former emphasizes the risk of longer term limits, while the latter forces us to take a step back and engage in the active process of state building and state refinement. My understanding of this debate topic was that DiamondTV was asking the latter question. We can't assume that the state and constitution we have today is the most optimal one. We are a young country, at a mere (almost) 60 years, and should be committed to continuously iterating on the design and structure of the nation. What was the point of having Hon. Kamboni on? To abate the public's fears that UPND is the one driving this conversation?

[@dingindabajonahbuyoya2783]

I also found it very strange that the panelists said that. The biggest reason why it was strange, for me, was the claim that they had never heard such a debate until we invited them. This surely couldn't have been true, seeing as the HEAD OF STATE literally issued a statement on this issue a few weeks ago. That aside, I still didn't think they needed to create the impression that there are certain topics that people shouldn't discuss, as if treasonous. As for the debate, it became a bit tricky, given that the protagonist fell ill hours before. He has been proposing the extension, so I guess it would have been different had he been there.

[@Copa20777]

Thank you diamond

[@esausikaonga4905]

In Africa eveeyone is a politician Including pastors, economics ,civil servant Challange

[@tinashesibenge912]

😂

[@Georgesilumbwe]

mmmmm

[@cholapower3105]

These are the educational programs we need as a country we are tired and sick of fruitless useless meaningless press conferences and briefings purely based on finger pointing demeaning fighting individuals insulting leaders day in day out. this is a very good precedence set by diamond TV this is the way to go as a country

[@apamwamba]

Yes. The President NEEDS a lot of MORE time. A lot of it actually.. AS LONG AS IT IS 10 YEARS MAXIMUM! AIKONA MAN

[@stonesinkala5510]

I like the way Kalomo MP is coming out.

[@dr.edwardmwansaphd4266]

Presidential limits are good , they save the country from unnecessary civil wars since it provides room for change wherever necessary.

[@dr.edwardmwansaphd4266]

The best is to reduce not always increase

[@MichaelKani-z8f]

Awesome meeting of minds, especially those of hon chisanga and Ms miti

[@victorsinyangwe1408]

The term limit is for the president and not the party