Zambia's Constitution Making Process Addressing the Impasse and Future Challenges

The report is divided into five sections. The first provides a brief historical background to Zambia’s constitution making phases. The second is a discussion on the triggers of constitution-making in Zambia since independence in 1964. In the third section, the report offers an overview of the current constitution-making process (2011 to 2013), highlighting recognised strengths and weaknesses. The fourth section surveys civil society proposals for the constitution-making exercise and their probability of influencing a different approach to the exercise by the Zambian government. The final section draws out probable challenges ahead for the process and makes recommendations on how the constitution-making exercise can enhance its popular legitimacy while contributing towards building social cohesion in Zambia.