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Members of the National Assembly are set to debate Bill 7 in a landmark session on today, Monday, amid ongoing controversy over proposed constitutional amendments.
Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, reaffirmed government’s unwavering support for the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, stressing that it was designed to enhance democratic governance, promote inclusivity, and address historical disparities in political representation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Sunday, Mweetwa said the Bill was “unstoppable” and will pass not through “arrogance of numbers in the House but the will of the people,” despite opposition from several civil society organizations and the Catholic Church.
He outlined the key objectives of the Bill, including enhancing electoral transparency and accountability, increasing representation of marginalized groups in decision-making, and providing clarity on constitutional ambiguities to strengthen governance and national development.
“Government assures the public that Bill 7 is legal, contrary to claims that the Bill is unconstitutional,” Mweetwa said.
The spokesperson added that a constructive parliamentary debate was anticipated, with the government committed to consensus-building and acting in the nation’s best interest.
“The proposed amendments aim to strengthen democratic institutions, promote national unity, and foster socio-economic development, ultimately improving the lives of all Zambians,” he said.
Mweetwa also called on all stakeholders to engage in peaceful and respectful dialogue and urged opposition leaders to refrain from misleading the public on matters not contained in the Bill, warning that misrepresentation risks creating unnecessary public anxiety.
However, the Bill faces strong opposition. Civil society organizations, opposition parties, and legal experts argue that it was initiated without proper public consultation, violating Article 79 of the Constitution.
In June 2025, the Constitutional Court declared the Bill unconstitutional, ruling that it failed to comply with the requirement for “wide public consultation” before constitutional amendments.
The Oasis Forum, a coalition of civil society organizations, maintains that the Bill is a nullity and must be withdrawn immediately, citing concerns over the process, legality, transparency, and timing of government actions.
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