Youths petition parliament to scrap term limits

A consortium of youth organisations has petitioned Zambia's Parliament to abolish presidential term limits and remove the Grade 12 certificate requirement for aspiring MPs and councillors. The Zambia Youth Organisation Consortium (ZYOC) submitted the petition to nominated MP Francis Kope for presentation to the National Assembly. The consortium includes Youth for Dialogue, Youth Development Network, Ambia Young Women, Different Abled Youths Association, and Arise and Soar Zambia.

ZYOC chairperson Jacob Longwe stated that presidential term limits restrict citizens' freedom to choose leaders and that the Grade 12 certificate requirement excludes capable individuals lacking formal education. He confirmed that consultations were held nationwide before the petition was prepared. Nominated MP Francis Kope assured the organisations that he would initiate the process of presenting the petition to the National Assembly.

Mr Kope, accompanied by MPs Twaambo Mutinta and Charles Tembo, received the petition as an expression of young people's views on national issues. Mr Mutinta added that presenting the proposed motion would allow for parliamentary debate on the matters raised. The ZYOC believes these changes reflect concerns about political participation and eligibility for elected office among young people.

Why it mattersYoung people in Zambia are directly affected by proposed changes to presidential term limits and candidate eligibility requirements for parliamentary and council seats.

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