The current political landscape in Zambia is marked by intense scrutiny and criticism of President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership, particularly concerning constitutional processes and governance priorities. Opposition figures, including Fred M'membe of the Socialist Party and Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant Hon Brian Mundubile, have voiced significant concerns, accusing the President of double standards, political arrogance, and a fundamental departure from democratic principles.

Fred M'membe has strongly condemned President Hichilema's conduct, highlighting his alleged deliberate manipulation of constitutional processes, which M'membe describes as having reached "dangerous proportions." He argues that the President's actions, such as pretending to invite dialogue with the Oasis Forum and other stakeholders while simultaneously announcing that constitutional amendments will proceed regardless of public opinion, constitute deceit and political dishonesty. M'membe asserts that such behavior demonstrates a loss of moral compass and a forfeiture of legitimacy to govern, viewing the President's call for dialogue as a "political gimmick" to buy time and weaken public resistance, masking a "desperate hunger for constitutional engineering." The primary focus of this criticism is Bill 7, which M'membe claims is urgently being pushed before elections because it is "crafted to benefit him personally," designed to "tilt Zambia’s political architecture" in favor of his allies and weaken opponents. He warns that if passed, Bill 7 would hand President Hichilema a "constitutional weapon" to entrench power, risking "disproportionate influence to specific regions" and creating a Parliament structurally skewed to favor one demographic while marginalizing others, thereby sowing division and betraying democratic principles. M'membe likens Bill 7 to a "Trojan horse" that would grant the President unprecedented ease in manipulating the Constitution, a power he deems unacceptable for any leader, past or present. Furthermore, M'membe criticizes the President's "mocking posture" toward citizens, perceiving their fears as unfounded and their opinions irrelevant, which he considers "an insult to the collective intelligence of a nation that fought for democracy." He concludes that President Hichilema has become "intoxicated by power," deaf to his people, and no longer morally fit to lead, urging Zambia to reject Bill 7 and recognize the President's dangerous drift from the democratic path.

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Hon Brian Mundubile has emphasized that the Presidency is a full-time job that demands prioritization of the Zambian people's interests over business. Mundubile accuses President Hichilema of treating the Presidency as a "side activity," where business concerns are rapidly resolved, citing examples in the mining sector and the export of power and maize. In stark contrast, he points out that challenges facing ordinary Zambians, such as delayed payments to farmers, receive excuses and are neglected. Mundubile called for the President to center his efforts on finding solutions for the suffering of Zambians. He also lamented President Hichilema's missed opportunity to unite the Zambian people during a recent press conference and urged him to be transparent about the real cause of loadshedding, suggesting it is due to power exports. Addressing the President's approach to youth, Mundubile advised a change in perspective, urging the President to "focus on bringing innovation," "sit down with them," and work with youth as "leaders of today and tomorrow," rather than merely deploying them or giving them names as powerful people.

The combined criticisms paint a picture of a leader accused of consolidating power through constitutional amendments like Bill 7 for personal political survival, while simultaneously being perceived as neglecting the immediate welfare of citizens in favor of business interests. Both M'membe and Mundubile underscore a perceived erosion of trust, democratic values, and national unity under President Hichilema's leadership, calling for a return to principles of listening to the people, respecting the Constitution, and genuinely serving the nation's diverse populace. The implication is clear: Zambian democracy is at a critical juncture, demanding accountability and a leadership that genuinely prioritizes the nation over individual or partisan ambition.