Government has dismissed speculation that it intended to reintroduce the controversial Bill 7 during Thursday’s special sitting of Parliament, describing the claims as misleading and damaging to public confidence.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, clarified that Cabinet has not revisited the deferred bill, nor has it made any decision regarding its return to the House.
He emphasised that if such a decision were to be made, Cabinet would first deliberate and then formally inform the nation, as is standard with all government business.
ZANIS reports that Mr Mwetwa, who is also Minister of Information and Media expressed concern over recent public statements, including those attributed to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), suggesting that Government planned to reintroduce the bill.
He urged respected institutions to seek clarification from Government before issuing statements that may misinform the nation.
“We respect the Church as an all-weather partner in governance. However, institutions such as the ZCCB must stand on solid facts when communicating to the public, especially on sensitive matters like constitutional reform,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa further reminded citizens that the Access to Information (ATI) law, passed in 2023, is fully operational and allows individuals and organisations to seek official information from Government institutions.
He also reiterated that Government deferred Bill 7 to allow for broader consultation and participation by citizens and stakeholder groups, a process he said remains open.
Meanwhile, Government Chief Whip, Stafford Mulusa, clarified the circumstances surrounding today’s special sitting of the National Assembly, emphasising that the reconvening of Parliament is in full compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements.
Mr Mulusa said the House had been recalled to ratify the appointments to the Human Rights Commission Board made by the President, in accordance with Article 95 (1) of the Republican Constitution.
He explained that the provision requires that Presidential appointments subject to ratification by Parliament must be confirmed within 21 days of the commencement of the sitting of the House, since the appointments were made before Parliament resumed on September 12, the deadline for ratification is Friday, October 3, 2025.
He said it was on this basis that the House Business Committee, at its meeting on September 24, directed that Parliament reconvene today, October 2, to deal with the ratification of the Human Rights Commission Board.
Mr Mulusa also cautioned the media against relying on unverified information from social media, stressing that such practices risk misleading the public on important national matters.
He urged journalists to maintain professionalism and accuracy in their reporting, noting that Parliament will continue to provide access to information to enhance public understanding of legislative processes.
