Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, has clarified that the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 aims to provide clarity and predictability in the electoral process, ensuring the integrity and smoothness of elections. Mweetwa said the government prioritized democratic norms, the rule of law, and stability, focusing on national interests.
He emphasized that the proposed amendments aligned with government’s commitment to democratic principles and national development. Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mweetwa insisted that the amendments aimed to strengthen national governance and electoral stability, not serve partisan interests. He assured that the government remained open to further engagement and encourages all stakeholders to participate in the parliamentary process, ensuring a people-driven constitutional amendment process.
“Bill 7 has been returned to Parliament in its original form without any alterations. The Bill contains the exact amendment proposals that were presented before Parliament, before its deferment,” Mweetwa said. He added that the Select Committee would review all submissions made to the Technical Committee on the constitutional amendment by citizens across the ten provinces of the country.
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Mweetwa explained that, according to Standing Order 122 of 2024, one cannot introduce into Parliament a bill whose contents and objects relate to a bill which was already before the House, or one which has been withdrawn from the House within that particular sitting or session. “The Ministry of Justice has informed the Speaker of the National Assembly that it will return the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 to Parliament following the conclusion of the Technical Committee’s collection of submissions across the country,” he said.
He stated that, in this regard, the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly had directed the Select Committee to commence its meetings with immediate effect. Mweetwa stressed that the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 was crucial for ensuring electoral stability, enhancing governance, and resolving constitutional loopholes before the 2026 general elections.
He further explained that Article 52(6) could trigger a constitutional crisis if a presidential candidate withdraws close to the election date, leading to unnecessary delays, increased costs, and potential disputes. “Critics are encouraged to engage constructively, focusing on national interests and Zambia’s well-being,” he said.
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