Bill 7 Risks One Party Dominance, Warns Governance Activist Changala
LUSAKA — Political and good governance activist Brebner Changala has issued a strong warning that Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 contains provisions that could steer Zambia toward one party dominance. His statement adds to growing concern among legal experts, civil society groups, and opposition figures who argue the bill reshapes the political landscape to favour those in power.
Changala pointed to clauses that adjust representation, expand executive authority, and alter the balance between state institutions. He said these changes are not neutral but deliberately tilt institutional dynamics in favour of the ruling administration. “Constitutional reforms must strengthen democratic competition, not weaken it,” he said.
He recalled that the Constitutional Court previously halted an earlier version of the bill, flagging serious legal and procedural concerns. According to Changala, the current iteration reappears without clear evidence that those judicial objections have been addressed. He expressed alarm that lawmakers are advancing the bill through a process many view as opaque. “Constitutional legitimacy requires transparent correction of flaws, not procedural repetition,” he said.
Changala emphasized that Zambia’s multiparty system depends on fair access to state institutions, equal opportunity for political parties, and credible mechanisms for leadership transitions. He warned that embedding structural advantages for the incumbent risks normalizing one party rule over time. “Once rules are rewritten to entrench those in power, future administrations may extend those advantages, slowly eliminating genuine competition,” he said.
His remarks arrive amid heightened public scrutiny. Citizens across urban and rural communities have voiced concerns through radio discussions, church meetings, and local forums. Many fear the bill centralises authority at a time when expectations for greater accountability are rising. Changala’s analysis provides a framework for understanding how technical legal changes could produce significant political consequences.
He also highlighted the bill’s potential to weaken parliamentary independence. If the executive gains broader discretionary powers while the legislature’s oversight role diminishes, he said, Parliament risks becoming a ceremonial body. “Healthy democracies require strong legislatures that can scrutinise appointments, question decisions, and act as genuine checks on power,” he said.
Beyond institutional mechanics, Changala warned of deeper societal effects. He argued that when political competition narrows, public trust declines. Voter participation drops, civic engagement shrinks, and political influence becomes confined to those with access to state resources. “Such trends are difficult to reverse once entrenched,” he said. “They distort governance, weaken national unity, and create openings for abuse.”
Changala insisted that constitutional amendments of this magnitude must emerge from broad national consensus. He criticized the current process for lacking inclusive consultation, public education, and meaningful input from diverse stakeholders. “Major reforms should not be driven by political strategy,” he said. “They must reflect the long term interests of the entire nation.”
He concluded that Zambia stands at a defining moment in its constitutional journey. The choices made now, he said, will shape the resilience of democratic institutions for decades. By labeling Bill 7 a “formula for one party state,” he aims to raise public awareness and prompt sober reflection among lawmakers.
Changala called on Parliament to withdraw the bill immediately and restart the process with full transparency, judicial compliance, and civic engagement. “This is not about partisan politics,” he said. “It is about whether we preserve a system where power remains limited, accountable, and transferable, or one where it becomes permanent and unchecked.”
His warning reinforces a broader call for restraint from civil society groups and legal professionals. As debate intensifies, observers say the handling of Bill 7 will serve as a critical test of Zambia’s commitment to democratic pluralism and constitutional integrity.
