Policy institute warns Zambia’s rush to pass 74 bills risks weakening legislative oversight

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has criticised the Zambian government for pushing nearly 74 bills through Parliament with just two weeks before dissolution, saying the pace reflected declining legislative discipline and risks undermining scrutiny of laws that may affect fundamental freedoms.

AIPAC Executive Director, Solomon Ngoma, said absenteeism in the House and what he described as poor leadership from both the ruling UPND and opposition PF chief whips had created an environment where the Executive can drive legislation through without adequate debate.

Ngoma said the volume of bills—coming as Parliament prepares to dissolve ahead of the August 12 general election—raised concerns about the quality of law-making.

He cited the Electoral Process Bill No. 44 of 2026 as one of several major pieces of legislation being expedited, with MPs now required to sit on weekends to meet deadlines.

“Honestly, how can you have majority MPs absent in the House?” Ngoma said, arguing that the situation “paints a sad picture” of how parliamentary business is being handled.

He urged the Speaker and chief whips to impose firmer discipline and ensure quorum, saying leniency toward Executive members who skip debates has contributed to last-minute legislative congestion.

AIPAC, he added, was monitoring the bills closely for any threats to civil liberties.

Ngoma said legislation that should have been completed in 2025 was only now being rushed because of persistent absenteeism.

The group, he noted, had installed screens in its offices to track parliamentary proceedings and committee work in real time.

He also called on political parties to avoid re-adopting MPs who “have failed to deliver,” arguing that despite increased constituency development funding under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, some lawmakers had made little impact in their constituencies.

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