Kabesha outlines constitution amendment process

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has outlined the framework guiding Zambia’s constitution amendment process, stating that the kabesha exercise is being driven through submissions and consultations as proposals begin to surface ahead of the 2026 general election.

Kabesha indicated that the kabesha process is anchored on input received from various stakeholders, positioning the amendment exercise within a consultative framework rather than a unilateral government initiative. His remarks come at a time when discussions around constitutional changes have gained visibility, with multiple developments feeding into the broader reform conversation.

Among the developments shaping the discussion are proposals to create additional constituencies. Northern Province has submitted proposals for 13 new constituencies, a move that directly links the kabesha amendment process to delimitation and electoral representation. The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to adjust constituency boundaries in response to population distribution and representation needs.

The emergence of delimitation proposals has added a structural dimension to the reform process. Changes to constituency boundaries affect representation, electoral competition and resource allocation, making delimitation a central component of any constitutional adjustment tied to elections.

At the same time, a legal challenge has introduced a separate but related dimension to the broader constitutional environment. Court action has been initiated over failure to hold an elective general assembly within a political party, raising questions about adherence to internal governance processes and democratic standards.

While the legal matter is distinct from the amendment process itself, it contributes to the wider discussion on constitutionalism and the functioning of political institutions. Internal party governance is often viewed as an extension of broader democratic practice, linking organisational processes to national constitutional principles.

Kabesha’s explanation of the amendment process places emphasis on procedure and consultation. By framing the exercise as one based on submissions, the approach highlights participation as a central element of the reform framework. This positioning is intended to establish the process as structured and inclusive.

The timing of these developments has drawn attention, as they are unfolding in proximity to the 2026 general election. The overlap between reform discussions, delimitation proposals and legal proceedings has created a complex policy environment in which multiple elements are evolving simultaneously.

The amendment process itself is expected to follow established procedures, including review of submissions, legal drafting and eventual presentation through formal legislative channels. These steps are designed to ensure that any changes to the Constitution are subjected to structured consideration before adoption.

Delimitation proposals remain one of the most visible aspects of the current developments. The submission of additional constituencies reflects ongoing assessments of representation, particularly in regions experiencing demographic changes. Such proposals typically require constitutional backing where they alter the structure of electoral boundaries.

The legal challenge concerning the elective general assembly adds another layer to the overall picture. Questions raised in the case relate to compliance with established rules governing political organisations, reinforcing the broader theme of adherence to legal and constitutional frameworks.

Taken together, the amendment process, delimitation proposals and legal proceedings form part of a wider constitutional environment in which both structural and procedural issues are being examined.

Kabesha’s remarks provide the official framework through which the amendment process is being understood, while the surrounding developments illustrate the range of factors currently influencing the constitutional landscape.

The progression of the amendment process will depend on how submissions are assessed, how proposals are integrated into the legal framework and how related developments continue to evolve within the broader political and institutional context.