Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025
| Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Passed | 15 December 2025 |
| Bill citation | Bill No. 7 of 2025 |
| Introduced by | Ministry of Justice |
| Status: Amended | |
Bill No. 7 of 2025, officially titled the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a legislative proposal seeking to amend the Constitution of Zambia. Introduced in May 2025 by the Ministry of Justice in the National Assembly of Zambia, the bill addresses electoral reforms, the composition of the National Assembly, local government structure, and ministerial procedures.
Key Provisions
Expansion of Parliamentary Seats
The Bill proposes an increase in constituency-based Members of Parliament from 156 to 211, reflecting recommendations from the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s latest delimitation report.[1]
Electoral System Reform
Introduces a mixed-member system combining first-past-the-post with proportional representation, aimed at increasing representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.[2]
Candidate Nomination and By-Elections
Reforms procedures for nomination, disqualification, and resignation of candidates. Notably, it prohibits by-elections within 180 days of a general election.[2]
Local Government Adjustments
Removes the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons and aligns council terms with parliamentary five-year cycles.[2]
Ministerial and Cabinet Changes
Mandates ministers and provincial ministers to vacate office 90 days before a general election and redefines qualifications for the Secretary to the Cabinet.[2]
Public and Political Response
Civil Society Reactions
Several civil society organisations and legal experts criticised the bill for concentrating power and undermining democratic accountability. Lawyer Linda Kasonde described it as “frightening,” highlighting potential abuses under amendments to Article 52.[3]
Transparency International Zambia
Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director, warned that the proportional representation mechanism could favour the ruling party and called for wider public consultation.[4]
Political Analysis
Experts suggest that the proportional representation element may enable the ruling party to secure a two-thirds majority, potentially influencing future constitutional amendments.
Legislative Process
Constitutional Court Review
On 27 June 2025, the Constitutional Court of Zambia declared the bill unconstitutional, citing failure to comply with Article 79 which mandates wide public consultation.[5]
Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments (TCCA)
Following the ruling, President Hakainde Hichilema appointed a 25-member Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments (TCCA) on 2 October 2025 to lead nationwide consultations and propose revisions.[6]
Adoption
After incorporating TCCA recommendations, the bill was presented to Parliament on 14 December 2025 by Hon. Mulambo Haimbe. On 15 December 2025, it was adopted by a two-thirds majority (135 votes in favour, none against), and submitted to the President for assent.[7]
Current Status
The bill awaits Presidential assent. Debate continues across civil society and political circles regarding its implications for governance, representation, and democratic practice in Zambia.
External Links
See Also
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