Zambian constitution changes will weaken its democracy

Significance

These contentious changes will strengthen the executive and weaken oversight from both the legislature and judiciary. Opposition to the amendments is growing from independent institutions, opposition parties and civil society groups.

Impacts

• Promised new fiscal consolidation measures will be met with renewed scepticism, especially given the proposed constitutional changes.
• Dissatisfaction with rising living costs raises the risk of increased social unrest, threatening Lungu and the PF's 2021 re-election hopes.
• Donor concerns over a crackdown against opposition figures and worsening corruption will prompt growing Western criticism of Lungu.