Civil Society Group Defends Bill 7 Consultations, Moves to Join Petition
A consortium of eight civil society organisations that participated in the national consultations on Bill 7 has moved to join the Oasis Forum petition currently before the courts. The group says it is seeking to defend what it describes as a broadly consultative constitutional reform process, arguing that thousands of citizens, including their own members, made submissions to the Technical Committee.

The consortium states that it finds the Oasis Forum’s petition puzzling, especially since some of the petitioners had members appointed to the same committee they now challenge. It adds that the organisations calling the process “not inclusive” were among those that declined to participate in countrywide consultations, yet are now questioning a process they chose not to engage in. Their full press statement is reproduced below exactly as issued.

Full Press Statement Below

Press Statement by Consortium of 8 Civil Society Organisations on Governance
Held at Mika Hotel, Kabulonga
Monday, November 24, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for joining us.

Our consortium of civil society organisations has been actively engaged in the constitutional reform process since March 2025, when the Government announced its intention to amend the Constitution. While we had our own reservations regarding the earlier process that led to Government introducing Bill 7, particularly regarding the limited consultations at the beginning of the process, we nonetheless chose to support the initiative. We did so with the hope that these reforms would strengthen governance and address ambiguities and inconsistencies that have long existed in our Constitution.

Working together with other civil society coalitions outside our consortium, we met with the Republican President and successfully advocated for the deferment of the bill. This was done to allow for the establishment of a Technical Committee that would facilitate broader public consultations.

It is important to note that organisations such as the Law Association of Zambia and NGOCC, who were also part of these engagements, have now petitioned the court, arguing that the process is not inclusive and that certain members should not have been appointed to the committee. We find this position rather puzzling.

We say this because some of the organisations raising these concerns have members—and even former members—who were appointed to the Technical Committee. It is surprising that they now question the ability of their own representatives to gather and articulate the views of ordinary citizens. Their stance suggests that the process would only be considered “people-driven” if their preferred individuals were on the committee.

What the public needs to know is that the Technical Committee received thousands upon thousands of submissions from citizens across the country. As a consortium, we played an active role in raising public awareness and encouraging participation. We made our own submissions in Lusaka and in every province, and our individual member organisations also filed their respective contributions.

At this stage, both we and the many citizens who participated expect the committee’s report and its recommended amendments to be released. This will allow the public to assess whether their voices were truly captured. We did not anticipate that this expectation  rooted in transparency and accountability would be hindered by a court action initiated by those who, although constitutionally entitled to do so, chose not to take part in the consultation process.

Regrettably, it now appears that those who stayed away from the process are the ones claiming it is not people-driven. Their message seems to be that the process would only be legitimate if they, or their preferred representatives, were part of it.

As a consortium, we stand ready to defend the constitutional amendment process to which we have contributed our time, resources, and expertise. For this reason, we have today applied to be joined as an interested party in the petition filed by the Oasis Forum. Our application was formally submitted this morning. We trust that the court will allow us to present our perspective so that it can make a balanced and well-informed decision, reflecting the full breadth of contributions made by the public.

We acknowledge and respect the right of our colleagues in the Oasis Forum to bring this matter to court. In the same spirit, we also assert our right to participate in the proceedings. Our consortium stands on equal footing with all other registered organisations—those who support the process and those who oppose it. In civil society, there is no “bigger brother.” No organisation or church group is more important or more legitimate than the others.

Thank you.

Solomon Ngoma
Acting Consortium Chairperson & Executive Director
Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Center (AIPAC)

Derrick Chekwe
Acting Executive Director
Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU)

Arthur Muyunda
Executive Director
Southern African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD)

Patrick Kaumba
Executive Director
Governance Elections Advocacy Research Services (GEARS) Initiative Zambia

ClifFtone Chifuwe
Executive Director
Center for Peace, Research and Advocacy

George Shonga
Executive Director
Measures of Justice and Democracy Foundation (MJDF)

Bernard Uteka
Executive Director
Community Action Against Political Violence (CAAPOV)

Bernadette Mulenga
President
Anti-Political Violence Association of Zambia

Gaborone, Monday, 24 November 2025
The Southern African Development Community has confirmed that it will dispatch the SADC Electoral Advisory Council to Zambia to examine concerns raised by Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Chairperson Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba regarding the credibility of the 2026 General Elections.

The confirmation is contained in a formal response from the SADC Secretariat to Ambassador Mwamba’s correspondence in which he detailed a series of complaints related to the political environment, electoral preparations, and governance concerns. The Secretariat acknowledged receipt of the complaint and noted the PF official’s readiness to travel to Gaborone for further engagement.

According to the letter, the matters raised fall within the mandate of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council, a technical body responsible for advising the regional bloc on electoral processes, governance, and adherence to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021. The Secretariat indicated that SEAC is already preparing a mission to Zambia under Article 7.3 of the revised guidelines.

Ambassador Mwamba’s complaint outlined several allegations, including claims that President Hakainde Hichilema is influencing political and judicial processes, that restrictive laws have reduced citizens’ freedom of expression, and that proposed constitutional amendments could affect the credibility of the 2026 vote. The PF official also accused the administration of actions that, in his view, undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Responding on behalf of the Secretariat, Ms Onalenna Nthase of the Directorate of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs stated that the concerns qualify for review under the SEAC framework. She explained that SEAC missions serve to review post-election environments, evaluate recommendations from electoral observation missions, and encourage member states to implement those recommendations.

The Secretariat further advised that once consultations with the Government of Zambia are concluded, Ambassador Mwamba’s office will receive notification of the dates and venue for SEAC’s engagement with electoral stakeholders. The letter emphasised that this forum will allow the PF representative to present his concerns directly to the advisory body.

SEAC is one of SADC’s technical structures responsible for promoting credible elections across the region. Its mandate includes providing advisory support, reviewing electoral processes, and assessing member states’ adherence to the organisation’s electoral principles.

Full SADC Letter

SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY SECRETARIAT
Private Bag 0095
Gaborone
Botswana

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sadc.int
Telephone: (267)3951863
Telefax: (267)3972848 / (267)3181070

REF: SADC/13/5/7
23 NOVEMBER 2025

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson for Information and Publicity
Patriotic Front
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA.

Dear Sir,

RE: THREATS TO DEMOCRACY AND THE HOLDING OF FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

Reference is made to your letter of the above reference.

The SADC Secretariat takes note of the concerns that you raised in the letter mentioned above, and of your readiness to travel to Gaborone, Republic of Botswana, to further make representations on the matter.

The concerns that you have raised fall within the mandate of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC), which, incidentally, is preparing to travel to the Republic of Zambia to carry out a post-election review mission in terms of Article 7.3. of the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021).

These reviews are critical to address any post-election conflicts, to evaluate recommendations made by electoral observation missions, and as a platform through which Member States can be encouraged to implement all relevant recommendations emanating from the SADC Electoral Observation Missions (SEOM) and SEAC Reports.

Based on ongoing consultations with the Republic of Zambia, the Secretariat will communicate with your offices on the dates and venue for the SEAC consultations with electoral stakeholders in Zambia. This will be the ideal forum for you to make the representations above.

Member States:
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

All correspondence should be addressed to the Executive Secretary.

For further information and enquiries on logistical issues, please contact: Magabolle
Mafiri, Email: [email protected], Tel: +267 3611600 / +267 76077142 and Elijah
Munyuki, Email: [email protected], Tel: +267 77036916.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Prof. Kula I Theletsane
Director – Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs
For/EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

HH warns Zambia will not return to violent political culture

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated that Zambia will not revisit the turbulent political climate associated with violence and confrontational mobilisation, saying the country’s future depends on maintaining a stable and peaceful civic environment. He delivered the remarks during the Evangelical Church in Zambia’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Matero congregation in Lusaka, where he joined church members for the commemorative service.

Hichilema said Zambia’s democracy has matured because citizens have consistently chosen dialogue over confrontation. He noted that periods of political tension in previous years created anxiety among residents, disrupted local economic activities and strained relationships within communities. According to him, the country should learn from these experiences and avoid behaviour that undermines public safety or disturbs daily activities in neighbourhoods.

He told congregants that political violence affects citizens who are not always involved in disputes. He said confrontations often interfere with trading, schooling and household responsibilities, adding that they divert attention from development needs in communities. Maintaining peace, he said, is therefore not only a governance issue but a practical necessity for families across the country.

Hichilema emphasised that every Zambian has a responsibility to preserve order. He said individuals must reject calls for confrontational actions that threaten public safety or disturb community life. He urged citizens to speak up when they see behaviour that may escalate tensions, noting that peace is preserved when communities collectively reject violence.

He also encouraged church leaders to continue supporting national conversations through balanced, factual guidance that helps citizens understand governance processes. He said institutions such as the church provide important platforms for reflection and dialogue, enabling people to participate constructively in issues affecting the country.

The President said constitutional and governance discussions should be approached calmly, with room for differing opinions. He said the ability to discuss sensitive matters without confrontation reflects the maturity of the country’s democratic systems. He stressed that constitutional engagement must take place in an atmosphere where citizens feel safe to express themselves.

He reminded congregants that Zambia’s progress is linked to its reputation for peace, which has made the country a stable destination for investment and regional cooperation. He said preserving this image requires all citizens, including political players, to prioritise responsible conduct over actions that fuel tension.

Hichilema noted that public order is central to efforts aimed at improving essential services and expanding economic opportunities. He explained that instability disrupts government programmes and limits support reaching communities. He said peaceful conduct helps sustain development initiatives meant to enhance livelihoods.

He urged political actors to guide their supporters toward respectful engagement. He said leadership must avoid encouraging emotions that heighten confrontation and instead promote discussions grounded in facts. Clear communication, he said, helps reduce misunderstandings that often cause unnecessary tension.

The President added that Zambia’s long-term aspirations rely on stable communities where people can work, trade and raise families in secure environments. He said past incidents of violence demonstrated how easily public order can be disrupted when political actors allow disagreements to escalate.

He concluded by encouraging Zambians to continue building a society where disputes are resolved through lawful channels. He said peaceful civic participation is essential to protecting the gains the country has made since independence and to ensuring future generations inherit a stable and united nation.a

Opposition MPs Accused of Accepting Payments to Support Bill 7

Dr. Shishuwa Shishuwa, a historian, writer, and academic with extensive credentials in African studies and political history, has raised concerns that several opposition Members of Parliament have privately committed to support Bill 7 in exchange for financial benefits or relief from possible legal action. His remarks came during a broadcast interview focused on the ongoing constitutional debate and the conduct of the executive.

According to Dr. Shishuwa, the executive has intensified efforts to secure the parliamentary votes required for Bill 7. He referred to the earlier Constitutional Court decision which found the previous process leading to the bill unconstitutional. The ruling, in his view, required two things: a public-driven process and the use of an independent expert body. Current steps, he said, do not reflect those conditions.

The committee appointed to review the constitutional matter was described by him as lacking independence, with its composition conflicting with the expectations set by the court. The continued presence of the bill in Parliament, despite the earlier judgment, was presented as evidence of a process that has not been realigned with the ruling. This, Dr. Shishuwa stated, created a strong push within the executive to gather additional support from MPs.

Financial incentives were at the centre of his allegations. Dr. Shishuwa reported that some MPs were approached and offered three million kwacha each to support Bill 7. The arrangement, according to accounts he received confidentially, involved an initial payment of one point five million kwacha before the vote and the balance after the vote. The information, he said, was provided by individuals with direct knowledge of the discussions.

Other MPs, he stated, were approached using unresolved legal matters. Files involving corruption-related issues and other serious offences were reportedly presented to certain legislators as leverage. In those situations, support for Bill 7 was described as a condition that could prevent prosecution. Dr. Shishuwa said several MPs agreed to back the bill after such engagements.

To improve public transparency, he recommended that the Oasis Forum request MPs to sign a clear commitment declaring that they would not support Bill 7. Legislators who decline to sign, he noted, would reveal their position through their refusal. Such a measure, in his view, would help citizens identify MPs willing to uphold constitutional responsibilities without external influence.

The internal landscape of the Patriotic Front was also highlighted. Dr. Shishuwa pointed to a fragmented structure consisting of factions linked to Given Lubinda, Brian Mundubile, Chabinga, and Makebi Zulu. These divisions, he said, have made the party vulnerable to external pressure and weakened its ability to take unified positions on national matters.

Two of the factions were described as having backing from state actors, a development he said increases internal strain and complicates the party’s capacity to respond to the constitutional issue. Such conditions, according to him, make targeted engagement with individual MPs easier for those seeking support for Bill 7.

The allegations, Dr. Shishuwa noted, reflect a broader concern about the vulnerability of MPs facing financial difficulties or unresolved legal issues. Citizens, he said, expect their representatives to act responsibly, and decisions made under private arrangements weaken public trust.

He urged the Oasis Forum to continue with its planned peaceful demonstration intended to deliver a petition on Bill 7 to the president. Postponing the event, he said, would support efforts to push the bill before the parliamentary recess. A peaceful march and formal delivery of concerns, he added, would give the public a clear opportunity to be heard.

Dr. Shishuwa encouraged citizens to follow the conduct of their representatives closely, noting that public attention remains essential as developments around Bill 7 continue.