Hichilema signs Constitution Amendment No. 7 and tells Zambians to end the quarrel

LUSAKA, Zambia, December 18, 2025

President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday assented to Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 and urged Zambians to treat the national argument around the measure as settled, shifting attention to electricity supply, decentralised development and economic production.

“After signing, now that is law, I declare that the debate is now behind us,” the President told the ceremony.

A central thread of the address was an insistence that the reform should not be framed as a victory for one party, one leader, one ethnic group or one church. “It’s for the totality of Zambian citizens,” he said, after listing several ethnic identities to emphasise that the moment was national rather than sectional.

He returned repeatedly to that same point, describing the process as belonging to “all the Zambian citizens,” and warning against reading the amendment through partisan lenses.

The speech also pushed back against claims that had circulated during the debate. The President dismissed assertions that Bill 7 included an attempt to extend the presidential term to seven years, remove the 50 percent plus one requirement, or eliminate the running mate arrangement.

“There was nothing in here of that nature,” he said on the term extension claim. On the other allegations, the message was similar, describing them as angles used to scare or divide citizens rather than reflect the content of the amendment.

Instead, the President framed the intent as tackling “non contentious issues” and adding representation for groups he described as under represented in decision making, including women, young people and persons living with disabilities. The argument was presented as additive rather than subtractive, with an emphasis on inclusion.

A notable portion of the address focused on the tone of the national dispute. The President described the argument as intense and wide, including sharp exchanges, then urged a reset.

“My call to the country, now that we’re here, is that we reflect on how we debated,” he said, asking whether citizens had been civil and truthful, and cautioning that debate should not turn into hatred or enmity. A religious illustration followed, drawing on a Biblical teaching about reconciliation before offering at the altar, to reinforce peace making as a national value after a polarising discussion.

On process, the President stated that assent should have happened earlier, around August, but was delayed to allow wider consultations. He credited the Mushabati Technical Committee for completing work within two months and described its contribution as strengthening the final outcome. He rejected claims that the committee was unlawful, presenting it as constituted under the country’s legal framework.

One concrete example used to show “give and take” involved by elections. The President disclosed a preference for removing by elections between general elections to reduce costs and focus on development, then described conceding after the committee and other Zambians maintained that by elections should remain.

That account was followed by a recap of parliamentary votes, presented as cross party. The President referenced the two thirds threshold for constitutional change, then described votes that moved the bill through readings, culminating in what was described as 135 Members of Parliament voting in favour.

From there, the address pivoted to decentralisation and development. A story from a chiefdom visit was used to argue that community level control can reduce project costs and expand delivery. In that example, a school previously costing about K2 million was described as being delivered at about K500,000, allowing more classrooms to be built with the same envelope.

“Why would you be against taking money to the communities instead of Lusaka deciding everything?” the President asked, tying the point to delimitation and an increase in constituencies, which was presented as a pathway to broader distribution of resources.

Electricity dominated the closing sections. The President described citizens’ demands for power to support small businesses and for health centres to function, including the survival needs of children on oxygen. The power crisis was attributed to drought, described as the worst in living memory, and the response was framed as diversifying generation sources, with solar and coal both mentioned.

Specific projects cited included Mamba Phase 2 and the Chisamba development, with remarks that Chisamba Phase 1 was completed and Phase 2 was under construction. The President also referred to unlocking transmission capacity through engagement with Zimbabwe, suggesting that the public had already begun to feel an improvement.

A broader economic sweep followed, citing debt restructuring, recovery in mining, tourism growth “from 500 arrivals in 2021 to 2.5 million tourists arriving this year,” and foreign reserves reaching an all time high. The address also referenced fertilizer self sufficiency and factory plans for domestic medicine production, framed as part of a shift toward production rather than consumption.

The President closed with unity language and a work ethic appeal, calling for “unity” and urging citizens to advance love over hatred. A final integrity pledge came in blunt terms: “There will be no cheating,” followed by a rejection of theft or deliberate wrongdoing, and an assurance that mistakes would be met with correction rather than deception.

“With teamwork, unity of purpose, teamwork, hard work, respect for each other, we’ll be OK,” he said, ending with a blessing for Zambia and thanks to the audience.

President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to sign Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 into law today, marking the final step in a legislative process that has drawn intense political debate and public scrutiny.

The Bill was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday after securing overwhelming support from Members of Parliament, with 135 MPs voting in favour and 28 voting against. The approval followed the Third Reading stage in Parliament, where the Bill was adopted after months of deliberations and procedural steps.

Once assented to by the President, Bill 7 will become law, formally amending provisions of the Constitution of Zambia. The amendments are intended to adjust electoral timelines, revise procedures for filling parliamentary vacancies, and harmonise electoral processes with revised administrative arrangements.

According to parliamentary records, the Bill was introduced to address challenges arising from existing constitutional provisions, particularly those related to by-elections and the operational demands placed on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The amendments seek to streamline electoral processes and reduce the frequency and cost of by-elections.

During debate in Parliament, Government representatives maintained that the amendments were necessary to improve governance efficiency and align constitutional procedures with practical realities. Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe told the House that Bill 7 was designed to close legal gaps that had previously created uncertainty in electoral administration.

The Bill also provides for the introduction of nominated Members of Parliament to represent special interests, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Government officials stated that this provision would enhance inclusivity and ensure broader representation in the National Assembly.

Opposition MPs strongly opposed the Bill, arguing that it lacked sufficient public consultation and raised constitutional concerns. They maintained that altering the Constitution without broad consensus undermined democratic principles and could set a precedent for future amendments driven by political convenience.

Civil society organisations and legal bodies have also expressed reservations about the Bill, questioning its timing and the scope of the changes proposed. Some groups petitioned the courts to halt the legislative process, although the Bill proceeded through Parliament following rulings that allowed the legislative process to continue.

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti presided over the proceedings that led to the Bill’s passage. The Speaker later confirmed that all parliamentary procedures had been followed, including committee scrutiny and debate at all required stages.

With presidential assent expected today, the focus now shifts to implementation. The ECZ is expected to review its operational frameworks to align with the amended constitutional provisions. Government officials have indicated that subsidiary legislation and administrative guidelines may be issued to support the implementation of the new law.

The passage of Bill 7 has emerged as one of the most consequential legislative developments of the current parliamentary session. Supporters argue that it will strengthen governance systems and improve electoral management, while critics warn that it could have long-term implications for constitutional stability.

President Hichilema has previously stated that constitutional reforms should promote efficiency, inclusiveness, and national development. His assent to the Bill will formally conclude the legislative phase and open a new chapter in Zambia’s constitutional framework.

Security was heightened around Parliament during the final stages of debate, reflecting the level of public interest and political sensitivity surrounding the Bill. Authorities have urged citizens to engage peacefully with constitutional issues and to respect democratic institutions.

The Bill’s enactment comes at a time of heightened political engagement across the country, as parties and civic groups position themselves ahead of future electoral cycles. Analysts note that the practical effects of the amendments will become clearer once implementation begins.

The law is expected to take effect upon publication in the Government Gazette.

Thirty-four people have been charged with terrorism following violent disturbances that occurred during a presidential engagement in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, according to court proceedings held before the Chingola Magistrate’s Court.

The accused were arrested after chaos erupted at Chiwempala Market on November 8, 2025, when President Hakainde Hichilema visited the area as part of official duties. Authorities allege that the suspects engaged in coordinated violent conduct aimed at disrupting the presidential programme.

Court records show that the suspects were jointly charged with terrorism, an offence under Zambian law that carries severe penalties upon conviction. The prosecution told the court that the accused persons acted in a manner that endangered public safety, damaged property, and threatened national security during the incident.

The State informed Magistrate Maybin Kapaya that the accused were involved in acts that included violent disruption of a public gathering, malicious damage to property, and riotous behaviour. Prosecutors submitted that the conduct of the accused went beyond ordinary public disorder and met the legal threshold for terrorism.

The court heard that police officers were forced to intervene after the situation at the market deteriorated, prompting the arrest of dozens of individuals suspected to have participated in the disturbances. The accused were later detained and brought before the court for formal charging.

During the initial appearance, defence lawyers objected to the terrorism charge, arguing that the alleged conduct did not amount to terrorism as defined by law. They submitted that the charge was excessive and requested that the court dismiss it or substitute it with lesser offences.

However, the State opposed the application, stating that the seriousness of the incident justified the charge. Prosecutors argued that the disruption of a presidential event constituted a grave threat to public order and national security, warranting the application of the terrorism statute.

Magistrate Kapaya ruled that the matter raised serious legal questions that required a full trial and dismissed the defence’s request to discharge the accused at that stage. The court ordered that the accused remain in custody pending further proceedings.

In addition to the terrorism charge, some of the accused are facing related counts, including arson, malicious damage to property, and riotous behaviour. The prosecution indicated that investigations were ongoing and that further evidence would be presented during trial.

The court set a date for commencement of trial and directed that all procedural requirements be complied with before the matter proceeds. The accused were remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, police officers were seen escorting the suspects into a police truck after the court session, amid tight security at the Chingola Magistrate’s Court.

The incident has attracted national attention due to its political and security implications, coming at a time when Zambia is experiencing heightened political activity ahead of future electoral processes. Authorities have repeatedly warned against violence during political events and public engagements.

Government officials have maintained that the law will be applied firmly against individuals who engage in acts that threaten peace and security. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of public officials and citizens during official functions.

The case is expected to test the application of terrorism laws in circumstances involving public disorder linked to political events. Legal observers note that the outcome may have broader implications for how such incidents are prosecuted in the future.

The matter returns to court on a later date for continued proceedings.a

SADC Moves to Mediate Madagascar Crisis as Hichilema Named Interim Incoming Chair

Southern African leaders have agreed to intensify diplomatic engagement in Madagascar following renewed political tensions, with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia elected Interim Incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), subject to confirmation.

The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the closing session of the SADC Virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, which was convened to assess the political situation in Madagascar. Ramaphosa is currently serving as SADC Interim Chairperson.

Leaders at the summit reviewed developments in Madagascar amid concerns about political inclusiveness, governance, and the conditions necessary for credible democratic elections. Although SADC acknowledged a measure of calm in the country, the regional bloc said underlying political issues remained unresolved and required sustained engagement.

President Ramaphosa told the summit that SADC had resolved to deploy a Panel of Elders to Madagascar to engage political actors and help facilitate a smooth and peaceful transition toward democratic elections. He said SADC would remain actively involved until an elected government is installed through a transparent and constitutional process.

The Panel of Elders is expected to play a mediation and confidence-building role, engaging the government, opposition parties, and other stakeholders. Reading the official communiqué, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi announced that the panel will be led by former Malawian president Joyce Banda.

Madagascar has experienced repeated cycles of political instability over the past two decades, including disputed elections, unconstitutional changes of government, and prolonged transitions. These crises have often resulted in weakened institutions, economic disruption, and strained relations with regional and international partners.

In the current context, SADC leaders expressed concern about reports of political exclusion and limited participation by some opposition figures, several of whom remain outside the country. The regional body said such conditions risk undermining confidence in the electoral process and could lead to renewed instability if not addressed.

As part of its proposed approach, SADC urged Madagascar to consider initiating a national dialogue process that would allow all political actors, including those in exile, to return and participate freely in the country’s political life. Leaders said inclusive dialogue was essential to restoring trust and ensuring long-term political stability.

President Ramaphosa emphasized that SADC’s engagement was guided by its commitment to democracy, constitutional order, and peaceful conflict resolution. He said the bloc’s objective was not to interfere in domestic affairs but to support a process that reflects the will of the Malagasy people.

The election of President Hichilema as Interim Incoming SADC Chairperson places Zambia in a key position as the bloc prepares for leadership transition. While the role is subject to confirmation, it signals regional confidence in Zambia’s leadership within SADC structures at a time when the organisation is dealing with sensitive political situations in member states.

SADC’s intervention in Madagascar follows established regional practice, where diplomatic mechanisms such as mediation panels are deployed to prevent escalation and encourage negotiated solutions. Similar approaches have previously been used in other member states facing political deadlock.

The bloc said it would continue monitoring developments closely and would adjust its engagement based on progress made by Malagasy stakeholders toward dialogue, inclusiveness, and credible electoral preparations.a