UPND Proportional Representation MP Florence Chileshe Chama has sparked debate after calling for President Hakainde Hichilema to remain beyond 2031.
Chama said women in Zambia want development rather than democracy. She linked that development to continued support for Hichilema.
Her comments were made while thanking the President for nominating women to Parliament.
Chama is among the women nominated by the ruling UPND under Zambia’s proportional representation system.
Chama calls for continued Hichilema leadership
According to reports, Chama said women should support Hichilema beyond the end of his current term.
“As women in Zambia, we don’t want democracy, we want development in Zambia by supporting our president to go beyond 2031.”
Her comments have since triggered discussion around democracy, development and presidential term limits.
Chama’s remarks also come amid renewed debate about Hichilema’s political future.
According to reports, Hichilema won a second term in the August 2026 elections.
His current term is therefore scheduled to end in 2031.
Remarks raise questions over term limits
Zambia’s constitutional framework limits presidents to two elected terms.
As a result, Hichilema is currently serving his second term as president.
Calls for him to remain beyond 2031 would therefore require changes to the existing constitutional framework.
Chama’s comments have consequently added to the growing public discussion surrounding possible constitutional reforms.
However, her statement does not establish a change to Zambia’s constitutional term limits.
Instead, it represents her stated position on continued presidential leadership.
The remarks have also prompted debate over whether development and democratic governance should be viewed separately.
Meanwhile, discussions around constitutional reforms are expected to attract further attention as Zambia considers its political future.
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