Public participation key to effective legal reforms —Alliance

The Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ) has urged government to ensure that ongoing legal reforms are citizen-led and not solely driven by state authorities.

In a statement, AAAZ noted that as government moves to amend several key national laws, citizens must be actively involved at every stage — from accessing information to meaningful participation in shaping legislation.

This follows the 12th Cabinet meeting held on July 2, 2025, at State House, chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema, where several draft Bills of national importance were approved.

AAAZ Executive Director, Luchembe Chilufya, called on government to immediately publish and make the draft Bills accessible to the public to allow for informed debate before their presentation to Parliament.

“We welcome the announcement of critical Bills, including the Anti-Gender Based Violence (Amendment) Bill, the Cotton Bill, the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill, the Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill, and the Teaching Profession Bill.

These are of national importance, affecting every Zambian, whether in urban or rural areas,” Luchembe said.

He urged government to prioritise legislation long demanded by citizens, particularly the Tobacco Control Bill, which has far-reaching implications for public health but remains unpassed.

“The public must be given the opportunity to review and engage with these Bills. Laws serve the nation best when shaped by the people they are meant to empower,” he stated.

Luchembe also underscored the importance of transparency in the legal reform process, referencing the Access to Information (ATI) Act, which became operational in June 2024, as a key tool for ensuring accountability.

“AAAZ calls on government to demonstrate that the ATI Act is fully functional by promptly releasing the full draft Bills and explanatory notes for public scrutiny,” he said.

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