Mundubile Demands MPs Return Alleged Bribe Money Linked to Bill 7

Mundubile Demands MPs Return Alleged Bribe Money Linked to Bill 7

LUSAKA — Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile has called on Members of Parliament to return funds he alleges were paid to secure support for Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, describing such payments as a betrayal of public trust. His statement sharpens scrutiny of the legislative process and elevates concerns about ethics, transparency, and the integrity of constitutional reform.

Mundubile contends that Bill 7 lost legitimacy the moment it was revived without resolving legal deficiencies flagged by the Constitutional Court in its earlier ruling. He argues that Parliament’s decision to proceed despite these unresolved issues created conditions ripe for unethical conduct. “If any MP accepted money to back this bill, they violated the fundamental duty owed to the citizens who elected them,” he said.

He framed the issue as one of national accountability, not partisan politics. According to Mundubile, constitutional amendments define the nation’s governance architecture and must be handled with the highest ethical standards. He warned that ignoring allegations of inducement risks permanent damage to public confidence in Parliament. “Citizens deserve clarity,” he said. “Those implicated must either deny the claims under oath or return the money and face consequences.”

The controversy arrives amid deepening public skepticism about Bill 7. Civil society groups, legal professionals, and faith-based organisations have repeatedly questioned the legality of reviving the bill without addressing the court’s objections. Mundubile said these concerns should have prompted a pause. Instead, he asserted, the rushed process opened space for “backroom deals that poison democracy.”

He stressed that constitutional reform cannot be legitimate if tainted by bribery. “The Constitution is not a commodity to be bought or sold,” he said. “It is the foundation of our republic.” He called on named MPs to publicly refund any funds received and submit to independent scrutiny. Without such action, he warned, the legislative process would be seen as compromised beyond repair.

Mundubile also highlighted the erosion of public trust. He noted that citizens increasingly view Parliament as detached from their interests, especially when handling foundational laws. “When people hear that votes on constitutional matters may have been purchased, they stop believing in the system altogether,” he said. He warned that this disillusionment could suppress civic engagement long after the current debate ends.

His remarks intersect with broader calls for accountability in public office. He argued that elected leaders must model integrity, particularly on issues that affect the separation of powers and democratic balance. “Constitutional amendments are not routine legislation,” he said. “They require consensus, not coercion or cash.”

Mundubile’s intervention comes amid heightened intra party competition within the Patriotic Front. While he did not present evidence in his public statement, he insisted the allegations warrant formal investigation. “Even the perception of corruption in constitutional matters is dangerous,” he said. “It must be confronted openly, not swept aside for political convenience.”

He urged the government to halt further consideration of Bill 7 until three conditions are met: a transparent account of how the bill complies with the Constitutional Court’s ruling, a public review of the revival process, and disciplinary measures for any proven misconduct. “Political expediency must never override constitutional integrity,” he said.

Parliament has not issued an official response to Mundubile’s allegations. No named Members of Parliament have publicly confirmed or denied receiving payments related to the bill. The Office of the Speaker has not announced plans for an inquiry. Meanwhile, civil society coalitions including the Governance Accountability and Policy Forum and the Zambia Council of Churches have reiterated calls for transparency in the amendment process.

The Constitutional Court’s 2024 ruling, which found procedural irregularities in the previous version of Bill 7, remains central to the ongoing dispute. Legal analysts note that the court declared certain clauses noncompliant with Article 79 of the Constitution, which outlines mandatory public consultation requirements for amendments affecting governance structures. Parliament has not published a legal memo demonstrating how the current version satisfies those requirements.

Mundubile’s statement was delivered during a press briefing in Lusaka attended by party officials and civic representatives. He provided no documentary evidence but cited unnamed sources within parliamentary circles. He said the matter requires urgent attention from law enforcement agencies and anti corruption bodies.

As of Monday, December 8, 2025, Bill 7 remains before the Committee Stage in the National Assembly. A final vote has not been scheduled.