LUSAKA – The National Assembly has passed the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, a landmark legislation that paves the way for a significant expansion of the country’s parliamentary constituencies. The Bill now proceeds to the President for assent to become law.
A key objective of the Bill is to increase the number of constituencies from the current 156 to 211. The legislation also introduces several other substantial changes to the nation’s governance framework. From its original 13 proposed clauses, two particularly contentious provisions were withdrawn during the legislative process.
These were the proposal to dissolve Parliament on the eve of a general election and the requirement for independent candidates to resign from their political parties two months prior to filing nominations. Among the pivotal changes enacted is the establishment of a Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) Electoral System. This system is designed to guarantee enhanced representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Parliament.
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Other notable amendments include reducing the professional qualification requirement for the Secretary to the Cabinet from ten years to five years and removing the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons. The Bill also provides continuity for the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General, allowing them to remain in office after a general election until new appointees are named. Additionally, it revises the composition of councils to include Members of Parliament who hold constituency-based seats.
The Bill secured overwhelming support in the House. During the second reading, 131 MPs voted in favor, with two opposed. At the crucial third reading, all 135 members present voted to endorse the Bill, with no votes against or abstentions.
Concluding the debate, Minister of Justice Princess Kasune stated that Bill 7 transcends being merely a legal document. She described it as “a covenant with the Zambian people aimed at inclusion, fairness, representation and strengthening democracy.” The Minister emphasized that the legislation is grounded in national consultation, informed by constitutional review processes, the Electoral Technical Committee Report of 2025, and international best practices. Picture caption: Minister of Justice Princess Kasune (right) with her Permanent Secretary Mwenya Bwalya (left) shortly after the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill 7 vote at Parliament yesterday.
Looking at these changes, I honestly have no qualms with them, I am actually surprised most of them were not the law already. If one listens to M’Member, Muamba and all the other mouth pieces, you would think HH is committing treason. Now, nearly all the PF MPs voted for this Bill, if PF cannot control it’s own MPs, how can they control the nation?
No wonder their reign was like that if cantankerous donkeys, complete with the one rotting in a Pretoria morgue as the head! MPs did not dance, strange to see who the dancer was.
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