24/11/2025
is Bill 7? 🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲
Bill 7 refers to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025. It’s a 'proposed' constitutional amendment.
Key proposed changes include📍
Expanding Parliament by Increasing elected National Assembly seats from 156 to 211. 🇿🇲
Introducing a mixed electoral system: Some seats would be filled through proportional representation, specifically for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. 🇿🇲
Local government reforms: Removing term limits for mayors and council chairpersons. 🇿🇲
Electoral vacancies: Allowing political parties, not necessarily voters, to fill some vacant parliamentary seats. 🇿🇲
Judicial reforms: Changes to how judges are selected. 🇿🇲
Many Zambians Are Opposing It🚫
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and other legal groups say the bill was introduced without wide public consultation, which is required for constitutional amendments. 🇿🇲
In June 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled that Bill 7 was unconstitutional, because the process violated the consultation requirement. 🇿🇲
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) also strongly oppose it, calling it “undemocratic” and warning it could centralize power and weaken democratic accountability. 🇿🇲
Critics worry that giving parties power to fill vacated seats reduces the role of voters. 🇿🇲
Some say the bill could entrench political power and weaken checks and balances in government. 🇿🇲
’s Happened So Far⁉️
Parliament rejected a motion to form a select committee to study Bill 7, which has paused its progress. 🇿🇲
There is a Technical Committee now, tasked with looking at some of the issues raised by Bill 7 (electoral reform, decentralization, etc.). 🇿🇲
Meanwhile, a coalition called the Coalition Against Bill 7 (including civil society groups, churches, lawyers) is mobilizing protests. 🇿🇲
The government, though, has said it has not yet decided to reintroduce Bill 7. 🇿🇲
The President has organized a dialogue over the same at state house.🇿🇲
benefits of the Bill 📌
1. More Inclusive Representation
Introducing proportional representation seats for Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities. They claim say this will increase diversity in Parliament and ensure marginalized groups finally have a voice.🇿🇲
2. Modernizes the Electoral System
A mixed electoral system is seen as more balanced because it reflects the actual votes more accurately.🇿🇲
3. Strengthens Local Government
Removing term limits for mayors and council chairpersons could allow more continuity in local projects.
• Prevent leadership disruptions every few years
• Support long-term planning in councils
Some argue that effective leaders should be able to continue if citizens want them.🇿🇲
4. Potentially Reduces Costly By-Elections by allowing parties to replace MPs 🇿🇲 Supporters argue it’s faster and cheaper, especially when vacancies happen close to general elections.
5. Updates Governance Structures; Some judicial and parliamentary reforms in the bill are framed as necessary steps to streamline government operations.
• Clarify unclear constitutional sections
• Strengthen institutional efficiency
Supporters argue the 2016 constitution has gaps that need fixing.🇿🇲
6. Improves Representation in Rapidly Growing Population
Increasing MPs from 156 to 211 is justified as:
• Constituencies have grown
• Some constituencies are too large to serve effectively
More MPs could make representation more manageable and accessible.🇿🇲
ISSUES💘
1. Weakens Democracy by Reducing Voter Power;
One of the most criticised parts is allowing political parties to fill some vacant seats instead of holding by-elections.
This removes the people’s right to choose their MP and gives that power to party leaders.
2. Introduces a Bigger, More Expensive Parliament
Increasing MPs from 156 to 211 means:
• Higher salaries
• More allowances
• More government spending
This is happening at a time when Zambia is already struggling economically. Many people feel it's unnecessary and wasteful.
3. Poor Public Consultation
The Constitutional Court struck down the original process because the government did not adequately consult citizens.
Changing the constitution without wide consultation is seen as dangerous and undemocratic.🇿🇲
4. Possibility of Entrenching Power
Some clauses — especially around how leaders, MPs, and judges are appointed — could increase political control and reduce independence of institutions.
Critics fear it could be used to tighten political power rather than improve governance.🇿🇲
5. Local Government Loopholes
Removing term limits for mayors and council chairpersons could:
• Allow the same individuals to stay in office indefinitely
• Reduce leadership renewal
• Strengthen political patronage at local level🇿🇲
6. Confusing Electoral Changes
Introducing a mixed system (first-past-the-post + proportional representation) without clear explanation or education could create:
• Confusion
• Disputes
• Manipulation of how PR seats are allocated🇿🇲
7. Timing Feels Suspicious
Many citizens believe constitutional amendments close to elections are often politically motivated, not genuine reforms.🇿🇲
In short: the intentions may be unclear, but the implications are serious. Any constitutional amendment must be transparent, people-driven, and free from political manipulation, something Bill 7 has failed to achieve in its current form
So its up to you to decide ba Zambia....
Lwenu,