Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's appointment of an independent technical committee to consult citizens and draft constitutional amendments has been met with a mix of commendation and calls for enhanced transparency. This move, which reflects respect for a Constitutional Court ruling, aims to ensure that reforms proceed only after meaningful consultation with the populace, aligning with the principle that the Constitution is a people's document requiring broad citizen participation.

The Consortium for Good Governance, through its Deputy Chairperson Solomon Ngoma, welcomed the President's decision, praising it for upholding the rule of law and fostering citizen involvement. The group expressed particular satisfaction with the committee's diverse composition, noting the inclusion of individuals with varied past stances on constitutional amendments. Isaac Mwanza, Chairperson of the Consortium, was specifically highlighted for his appointment to represent eleven Civil Society Organisations, acknowledging his extensive experience in constitutional review processes since 2010 and his commitment to defending the Constitution through litigation. Ngoma emphasized the importance of committee members prioritizing national interest and stated that transparent, good-faith reforms would truly reflect the aspirations of the Zambian people, marking a significant step towards accountability and inclusiveness.

Similarly, the Democratic Union (DU) President, Ackim Njobvu, lauded President Hichilema for adhering to the Constitutional Court’s directive but underscored the critical need for clarity and transparency. Njobvu urged the public release of the committee's terms of reference and its timeframe, asserting that these details are crucial for building public confidence and ensuring a genuinely consultative process that incorporates Zambia’s diverse views without being rushed. The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Christopher Sichimwa Mushabati.

Citizens First Party leader Harry Kalaba also welcomed the 25-member committee's formation, recognizing its consistency with the Constitutional Court’s directive for an inclusive process. However, Kalaba cautioned against treating the exercise as a mere formality, stressing that the Constitution is the supreme law and a people’s charter. He raised concerns about the committee's composition, with some voices describing it as potentially dominated by individuals sympathetic to the ruling party, fearing it might appear as a