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{{Infobox legislation
{{Infobox legislation
| short_title = Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025
| short_title   = Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025
| legislature = National Assembly of Zambia
| legislature   = National Assembly of Zambia
| long_title = A Bill to amend the Constitution of Zambia; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
| long_title     = A Bill to amend the Constitution of Zambia; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
| bill_citation = Bill No. 7 of 2025
| bill_citation = Bill No. 7 of 2025
| introduced_by = [[Ministry of Justice]]
| introduced_by = [[Ministry of Justice (Zambia)|Ministry of Justice]]
| date_introduced = May 2025
| date_introduced= May 2025
| status = Under consideration
| date_passed    = 15 December 2025
| passed_for    = 135
| passed_against = 0
| passed_abstention = 0
| status         = pending assent
}}
}}


'''Bill No. 7 of 2025''', officially titled the '''Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025''', is a proposed amendment to the [[Constitution of Zambia]]. It was introduced in the [[National Assembly]] in May 2025. The bill seeks to amend several provisions of the Constitution, including changes to the electoral system, the composition of the National Assembly and the structure of local government.
'''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 (Zambia)|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 ==
== Key Provisions ==


=== Increase in Parliamentary Seats ===
=== Expansion of Parliamentary Seats ===
The bill proposes an increase in the number of elected [[Members of Parliament]] from 156 to 211, in line with recommendations from the [[Electoral Commission of Zambia]]'s latest delimitation report.<ref name="zamlii">{{cite web|title=Bill Summary: The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025|url=https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025|publisher=Zambia Legal Information Institute|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bill Summary: The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025|url=https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025|publisher=Zambia Legal Information Institute|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>


=== Electoral System Reform ===
=== Electoral System Reform ===
It introduces a mixed-member electoral system combining first-past-the-post and proportional representation. The proportional component is intended to enhance the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in Parliament.<ref name="zamlii" />
Introduces a mixed-member system combining first-past-the-post with proportional representation, aimed at increasing representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.<ref name="zamlii" />


=== Changes to Electoral Procedures ===
=== Candidate Nomination and By-Elections ===
The bill includes changes to the nomination, disqualification, and resignation of candidates. Notably, it prohibits by-elections within 180 days before a general election.<ref name="zamlii" />
Reforms procedures for nomination, disqualification, and resignation of candidates. Notably, it prohibits by-elections within 180 days of a general election.<ref name="zamlii" />


=== Local Government Adjustments ===
=== Local Government Adjustments ===
The bill proposes the removal of the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons and revises the composition of local councils to include sitting Members of Parliament.<ref name="zamlii" />
Removes the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons and aligns council terms with parliamentary five-year cycles.<ref name="zamlii" />


=== Ministerial Vacancies and Cabinet Appointments ===
=== Ministerial and Cabinet Changes ===
Ministers and provincial ministers would be required to vacate their positions 90 days before a general election. The bill also redefines qualifications for the position of Secretary to the Cabinet.<ref name="zamlii" />
Mandates ministers and provincial ministers to vacate office 90 days before a general election and redefines qualifications for the Secretary to the Cabinet.<ref name="zamlii" />


== Public Response ==
== Public and Political Response ==


=== Civil Society Concerns ===
=== Civil Society Reactions ===
Several civil society organisations and legal experts have raised concerns about the bill's implications for democracy. Lawyer [[Linda Kasonde]] described the bill as “frightening,” citing changes that could allow the disqualification of candidates on broad grounds, particularly through amendments to [[Article 52]].<ref name="diggerbill7">{{cite news|title=UPND’s Bill 7 more frightening than Bill 10 – Linda|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/27/upnds-bill-7-more-frightening-than-bill-10-linda/|work=News Diggers|date=27 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite news|title=UPND’s Bill 7 more frightening than Bill 10 – Linda|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/27/upnds-bill-7-more-frightening-than-bill-10-linda/|work=News Diggers|date=27 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>


=== Transparency International Zambia ===
=== Transparency International Zambia ===
Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director of [[Transparency International Zambia]], warned that the bill could be used to manipulate parliamentary representation, and called for broader consensus before passing constitutional amendments.<ref name="tizbill7">{{cite news|title=Stop Bill 7, CSOs, lawyers demand: ‘If it passes, your vote won’t matter in 2026’|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/31/stop-bill-7-csos-lawyers-demand-if-it-passes-your-vote-wont-matter-in-2026/|work=News Diggers|date=31 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director, warned that the proportional representation mechanism could favour the ruling party and called for wider public consultation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stop Bill 7, CSOs, lawyers demand: ‘If it passes, your vote won’t matter in 2026’|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/31/stop-bill-7-csos-lawyers-demand-if-it-passes-your-vote-wont-matter-in-2026/|work=News Diggers|date=31 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>


=== Broader Political Implications ===
=== Political Analysis ===
Political analysts argue that the proportional representation mechanism might favour the ruling party, enabling it to secure a two-thirds majority, which could be used to pass future constitutional changes without significant opposition.<ref name="tizbill7" />
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitutional Court declares Bill 7 unconstitutional|url=https://zambianobserver.com/constitutional-court-declares-bill-7-unconstitutional-lusaka/|website=Zambian Observer|date=July 2025|access-date=4 July 2025}}</ref>
 
=== 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mofya|first=Mwenya|title=Govt outlines terms of reference for Technical Committee on constitution amendments|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/10/21/govt-outlines-terms-of-reference-for-technical-committee-on-constitution-amendments/|website=News Diggers|date=21 October 2025|access-date=15 December 2025}}</ref>
 
=== Adoption ===
After incorporating TCCA recommendations, the bill was presented to Parliament on 14 December 2025 by [[Mulambo Haimbe|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zambia: Bill 7 heads to Parliament amid claims of threats and predictions of landslide support|url=https://www.lusakatimes.com/2025/12/15/bill-7-heads-to-parliament-amid-claims-of-threats-and-predictions-of-landslide-support/|website=Lusaka Times|date=15 December 2025|access-date=15 December 2025}}</ref>


== Current Status ==
== Current Status ==
As of June 2025, Bill No. 7 remains under debate in the National Assembly. Its potential enactment continues to generate national discussion, with stakeholders calling for transparency and wide public consultation.
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 ==
== External Links ==
* [https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025 ZambiaLII Bill Summary]
* [https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025 ZambiaLII Bill Summary]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcvdb5DAX8 BILL 7 Debate - YouTube]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcvdb5DAX8 BILL 7 Parliamentary Debate]
 
== References ==
<references />


== See Also ==
== See Also ==

Revision as of 18:55, 15 December 2025

Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Long title
  • A Bill to amend the Constitution of Zambia; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
Passed15 December 2025
Bill citationBill No. 7 of 2025
Introduced byMinistry of Justice
Status: Unknown

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.

See Also

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named zamlii
  3. ↑ News Diggers. 27 May 2025. URL. Accessed 4 June 2025.
  4. ↑ News Diggers. 31 May 2025. URL. Accessed 4 June 2025.
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1 at line 4515: attempt to index field 'date_names' (a nil value).
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