Parliament begins hearings on Bill 7

Parliament has formally opened public hearings on the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill Number Seven of 2025, ushering in a critical stage of the Government’s effort to revise key parts of the national charter. The Select Committee, chaired by Nalolo Member of Parliament Imanga Wamunyima, held its first session in Lusaka, where the Zambia Law Development Commission appeared as the first witness.

The session began with an overview of the main issues under review: how by-elections are handled, the rules for independent candidates to qualify, and what happens when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant close to a general election. The Commission shared findings showing that frequent by-elections strain public finances and interrupt the normal rhythm of governance. Vice Chairperson Chipo Nkatha proposed a practical solution avoiding full elections for vacancies that occur within 180 days of a general poll, and instead managing them through administrative means.

Nkatha also spoke about Article 52, underlining that the law must safeguard the right of independent candidates to take part in elections on equal footing. She made it clear that the Constitution should not create unnecessary barriers that make it easier for party-backed candidates while making it harder for independents. The Commission argued that the current system needs fine-tuning to ensure electoral access is open, fair, and rooted in enduring democratic values.

Meanwhile, Government Chief Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa addressed the national conversation around the amendment process. He emphasized that the Government is not rushing changes but is working within the framework laid out by Parliament. According to Mweetwa, the proposed reforms aim to strengthen governance, and the process includes parliamentary oversight, legal scrutiny, and public input. He urged that the debate not be cast as a standoff between Government and civil society, but as a shared effort to shape a modern constitutional order.

In a related legal development, the Constitutional Court removed President Hakainde Hichilema from contempt proceedings brought by Brian Mundubile. The court found that the President had not been properly included in the case, noting the allegations did not meet the legal standard required to compel his appearance. It also chose not to stop the declaration of the Chawama parliamentary seat as vacant, clearing the way for by-election preparations to move forward.

Adding to the broader context, Speaker Nelly Mutti reminded all parties that Parliament exercises its own constitutional authority. She stressed that legislative work is carried out independently and cannot be swayed by outside pressure. Mutti said Members of Parliament are expected to review submissions on Bill 7 with fairness and care, and that the final decision will reflect Parliament’s collective judgment, not political agendas.

Separately, the Government called for calm, reasoned discussion on national issues. Religious groups, civic organisations, and traditional leaders were encouraged to engage thoughtfully in public conversations, especially as constitutional changes continue to draw close attention. Officials pointed out that Zambia’s democracy thrives when there is broad involvement, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of the law.

Together, these parliamentary, judicial, and executive actions mark a period of deep constitutional engagement. With public submissions now open, the Select Committee will hear from civil society groups, legal associations, citizen coalitions, and political parties before finalising its report. The views shared during these hearings are likely to influence political dynamics and help define the next steps in the legislative journey.

The Bill 7 hearings remain at the heart of Zambia’s current governance dialogue. As the process unfolds, Parliament faces the complex task of weighing legal insight, public expectations, and its own institutional duties in deciding the future shape of the nation’s Constitution.