View source for Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025

{{Infobox legislation
| short_title = Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025
| legislature = National Assembly of Zambia
| long_title = A Bill to amend the Constitution of Zambia; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.
| bill_citation = Bill No. 7 of 2025
| introduced_by = [[Ministry of Justice]]
| date_introduced = May 2025
| status = Under consideration
}}

'''Bill No. 7 of 2025''', officially titled the '''Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025''', is a proposed amendment to the [[Constitution of Zambia]]. It was introduced in the [[National Assembly]] in May 2025. The bill seeks to amend several provisions of the Constitution, including changes to the electoral system, the composition of the National Assembly and the structure of local government.

== Key Provisions ==

=== Increase in Parliamentary Seats ===
The bill proposes an increase in the number of elected [[Members of Parliament]] from 156 to 211, in line with recommendations from the [[Electoral Commission of Zambia]]'s latest delimitation report.<ref name="zamlii">{{cite web|title=Bill Summary: The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025|url=https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025|publisher=Zambia Legal Information Institute|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Electoral System Reform ===
It introduces a mixed-member electoral system combining first-past-the-post and proportional representation. The proportional component is intended to enhance the inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in Parliament.<ref name="zamlii" />

=== Changes to Electoral Procedures ===
The bill includes changes to the nomination, disqualification, and resignation of candidates. Notably, it prohibits by-elections within 180 days before a general election.<ref name="zamlii" />

=== Local Government Adjustments ===
The bill proposes the removal of the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons and revises the composition of local councils to include sitting Members of Parliament.<ref name="zamlii" />

=== Ministerial Vacancies and Cabinet Appointments ===
Ministers and provincial ministers would be required to vacate their positions 90 days before a general election. The bill also redefines qualifications for the position of Secretary to the Cabinet.<ref name="zamlii" />

== Public Response ==

=== Civil Society Concerns ===
Several civil society organisations and legal experts have raised concerns about the bill's implications for democracy. Lawyer [[Linda Kasonde]] described the bill as “frightening,” citing changes that could allow the disqualification of candidates on broad grounds, particularly through amendments to [[Article 52]].<ref name="diggerbill7">{{cite news|title=UPND’s Bill 7 more frightening than Bill 10 – Linda|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/27/upnds-bill-7-more-frightening-than-bill-10-linda/|work=News Diggers|date=27 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Transparency International Zambia ===
Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director of [[Transparency International Zambia]], warned that the bill could be used to manipulate parliamentary representation, and called for broader consensus before passing constitutional amendments.<ref name="tizbill7">{{cite news|title=Stop Bill 7, CSOs, lawyers demand: ‘If it passes, your vote won’t matter in 2026’|url=https://diggers.news/local/2025/05/31/stop-bill-7-csos-lawyers-demand-if-it-passes-your-vote-wont-matter-in-2026/|work=News Diggers|date=31 May 2025|access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Broader Political Implications ===
Political analysts argue that the proportional representation mechanism might favour the ruling party, enabling it to secure a two-thirds majority, which could be used to pass future constitutional changes without significant opposition.<ref name="tizbill7" />

== Current Status ==
As of June 2025, Bill No. 7 remains under debate in the National Assembly. Its potential enactment continues to generate national discussion, with stakeholders calling for transparency and wide public consultation.

== External Links ==
* [https://zambialii.org/articles/2025-05-23/Maria/bill-summary-the-constitution-of-zambia-amendment-bill-no-7-of-2025 ZambiaLII Bill Summary]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcvdb5DAX8 BILL 7 Debate - YouTube]

== References ==
<references />

== See Also ==
* [[Politics of Zambia]]
* [[Constitution of Zambia]]
* [[National Assembly of Zambia]]
* [[Bill 10]]

[[Category:Politics of Zambia]]
[[Category:Laws of Zambia]]
[[Category:2025 in Zambia]]
[[Category:Zambian legislation]]
[[Category:Constitution of Zambia]]