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Various stakeholders have applauded President Hakainde Hichilema for deferring the Constitution Amendment process to allow for broader consultations, describing the move as bold, democratic, and reflective of responsive leadership.
Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Executive Director, Annie Anamela, said the decision would give Zambians an opportunity to critically examine the proposed amendments.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision. It shows that the President is listening to the voices of the people,” Anamela told Zambia Monitor.
She emphasized that a national constitution, as the supreme law of the land, must be a product of widespread consensus and genuinely reflect the aspirations of all Zambians.
“This can only be achieved through thorough, inclusive, and sincere consultations that bring together diverse perspectives from across the country,” Anamela said.
Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga, also welcomed the move, describing it as “commendable and statesmanlike.”
“We particularly applaud the President for heeding concerns raised by the Church and civil society organizations (CSOs) regarding the lack of broad consensus and adequate consultation on the proposed amendments,” he said.
Mapulanga added that the withdrawal of the bill provides a vital opportunity for introspection and a renewed commitment to a people-driven constitution-making process.
“We also commend the Church and CSOs for their unwavering advocacy for good governance and their insistence on transparency in the constitutional reform process,” he said.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) spokesperson, Anthony Chibuye, said President Hichilema made the right decision in halting a process that had faced significant condemnation from stakeholders and was likely to fail.
“This gives us space for broader consultations with stakeholders and, hopefully, to achieve consensus on this important national issue,” Chibuye said.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Kasonde Mwenda, took a more critical tone, saying the deferral marked a victory for collective resistance against what he called “a draconian Bill No. 7 of 2025.”
“This bill was crafted in secrecy and presented without the voice or consent of the people. The UPND government has been forced into retreat,” Mwenda said.
He accused President Hichilema of attempting to undermine democracy and consolidate power through the proposed amendments.
“Bill 7 was not about progress—it was a calculated attempt to erode our democratic gains and tighten the executive’s grip on power,” he claimed.
Citizens First Party Spokesperson Dalitso Tembo described the withdrawal as a clear indication that the will of the people had prevailed over “dictatorial tendencies.”
“If government had listened to advice earlier from stakeholders, it could have avoided the embarrassment of tabling the bill in Parliament only to recall it the next day,” Tembo said.
She added that resources spent on the process could have been better allocated to critical sectors of the economy, describing the bill as an “ill-conceived project.”
Commenting on Bill No. 7 of 2025, Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMACA) emphasized the importance of comprehensive consultation on legislation that impacts critical sectors, including marketeers.
ZANAMACA president Mupila Kameya praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to direct the Minister of Justice to postpone the Bill for wider national consultation.
He said the move demonstrated a firm commitment to democratic governance and inclusive decision-making.
“By fostering public discourse around the Bill, ZANAMACA believes that the resultant legislation will better reflect the diverse interests and needs of the Zambian people, ultimately enhancing effective governance and national cohesion,” Kameya said in a statement issued on Friday.
He stressed the importance of involving Non-State Actors (NSAs), particularly those representing the informal economy, in reviewing the current roadmap and proposed legislative amendments.
“NSAs play a crucial role in articulating the interests and perspectives of various communities, including marginalized groups. Their participation ensures that proposed amendments are grounded in the practical realities of citizens, making legislation more effective and inclusive,” he added.
Kameya further noted that the government’s ongoing commitment to review the NGO Act and the proposed NGO Bill represents a pivotal moment for civil society in Zambia.
“A comprehensive review offers NGOs much-needed clarity and stability within the legal framework governing their operations. Clear and supportive regulations will enable NGOs to operate more efficiently, facilitating seamless project implementation and allowing them to focus on their core mandates,” he said.
ZANAMACA urged the Ministry of Justice to prioritize transparency, accountability, and public engagement throughout the legislative process to strengthen trust and foster shared ownership of national development initiatives.
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