The Zambian Government has committed to a 30-day window for public consultations on Bill 7, yet no clear framework has been established to guide how these consultations will take place. This lack of structure raises serious concerns about transparency, inclusion, and meaningful citizen participation in the constitutional reform process.
But what are the elements of an effective constitutional consultation process that will involve the citizens and guarantee transparency?
In the infographic below, we propose a road map for an effective constitutional consultation process.
For consultations to be effective, the government must outline a clear timeline for when and how the public can submit their views. Without a defined schedule, many citizens may miss the opportunity to contribute to this important national process.
Equally important is clarity on the submission format. Citizens need to know whether they can use email, SMS, or phone calls to send in their views. The format must be simple and accessible, especially for those in rural or underserved communities.
The consultation process itself must be inclusive and widely publicized. Will there be town hall meetings, surveys, or focus group discussions? These platforms are essential for capturing diverse voices and ensuring that all segments of society are heard.
Furthermore, the methods used in the consultation process must be transparent. The public deserves to know who was consulted, what methodology was used, and how the findings will be reported. There should also be a clear feedback mechanism to indicate whether submissions were accepted or rejected, and why.
Finally, the analysis of submissions must be accountable. The government should explain who will review the submissions, when this will happen, and how the feedback will be used to revise the draft bill.
Without addressing these issues, the consultation risks being symbolic rather than substantive. For real constitutional reform, the Zambian Government must put in place an open, fair, and well-communicated process that values and reflects the voices of all citizens.