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The Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has rejected Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, calling on the government to halt the current process and reconfigure it into a truly inclusive, transparent, and broadly consultative national undertaking.
Speaking during a media briefing at the NGOCC offices in Lusaka on Monday, NGOCC Board Chairperson, Beauty Katebe, said the organisation welcomed the government’s intent to reform the Constitution — but only on condition that the process is inclusive, transparent, and guided by national consensus.
“We are disappointed that this has not happened,” Katebe stated.
She acknowledged some positive elements in Bill No. 7 — including proposals aimed at reducing the cost of by-elections, clarifying legal grounds for petitions, and addressing the controversial 90-day restriction on ministers ahead of elections.
However, Katebe said the bill failed to meaningfully address the crucial issue of representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“The proposals fall short of ensuring meaningful inclusion of these marginalised groups, representing only about 14 percent — far below the regional benchmark of 50-50 representation,” Katebe said.
She also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the Electoral Reforms Technical Committee (ERTC) report, which is understood to have informed some of the bill’s key proposals.
Katebe said the report had not been made public, raising serious concerns about transparency and public trust.
“We remain committed to a constitutional framework that promotes genuine representation and equity for all citizens,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has defended the proposed amendment, arguing that it was necessary to curb the growing trend of parliamentary by-elections.
UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, accused the opposition of sponsoring recent by-elections, disrupting parliamentary continuity at a high cost to taxpayers.
Speaking at a separate media briefing on Bill No. 7, Simuuwe said, “From the time we were in opposition, we maintained the view that frequent by-elections disrupt national progress and must be curtailed.”
He claimed that Zambia had witnessed over 60 by-elections since the last general elections, most of which he said were linked to independent Members of Parliament shifting allegiance — triggering unnecessary by-elections.
Simuuwe cited the by-elections in Kawambwa and several Copperbelt constituencies, attributing them to opposition manipulation.
“It’s costly. The money used for by-elections can be better spent on developmental projects,” he said.
He also questioned the feasibility of having MPs serve extremely large constituencies, stating, “It would be naive to expect a single MP to address all issues in such vast areas within one term.”
Simuuwe maintained that the proposed amendments, now under public discourse, were intended to ensure political stability and reduce wasteful electoral spending.
Read More: Youth group urges rejection of proposed constitutional amendments, lack of inclusivity
Meanwhile, UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, says President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a Constitution that reflects the aspirations of all Zambians, despite ongoing political divisions.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Imenda said President Hichilema has consistently emphasized unity, inclusivity, and progress as key pillars for sustainable national development.
He explained that at the core of this vision is the Constitution (Amendment) Bill of 2025—a comprehensive proposal aimed at strengthening democratic governance, enhancing citizen representation, and promoting national cohesion.
Imenda noted that the Bill, published on April 23rd, has sparked widespread public debate and engagement, underscoring Zambia’s vibrant democratic spirit.
However, he acknowledged that the debate has regrettably been marred by partisan divisions.
“While some opposition factions have welcomed the proposed amendments, others have shifted their positions—including elements within the Patriotic Front (PF), who now oppose reforms they once championed in 2019,” Imenda said.
He described such inconsistency as a sign of political opportunism and stressed the need for a more objective and patriotic approach to national issues.
Imenda emphasized that President Hichilema’s administration sees this moment not as a time for political posturing but as a defining opportunity to build a forward-looking constitutional framework.
“The proposed reforms are designed to drive national development and protect the rights and representation of all citizens,” he added.
He praised Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda for standing out as a leader committed to a national outlook, despite political pressure. Chanda continues to advocate for unity and shared responsibility across party lines.
Imenda also cited Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba as a strong supporter of the reform process, noting that Mumba has condemned efforts to mislead the public about the contents of the Bill.
According to Imenda, Mumba expressed believe that the current proposals are far more inclusive and progressive than the failed Bill 10 under the previous administration.
He further highlighted that labour leaders, including the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), have joined the conversation.
He alleged that while expressing concern over the timing, they support the substance of the Bill as critical to Zambia’s democratic and institutional development.
“Importantly, some of the loudest critics have based their opposition on false assumptions—such as the claim that the Bill seeks to abolish the 50%+1 vote requirement for electing a President,” Imenda clarified.
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