A Peek At Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 - By Nakiwe Simpungwe

Summary

On 18th December 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema signed into law the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The Bill had been passed three days earlier by the National Assembly, with 135 out of 156 Members of Parliament voting in favour, meeting the required two-thirds majority.

Although the process faced criticism from some sections of society over alleged lack of consultation, transparency, and accountability, others supported the Bill, describing it as progressive.

The Amendment introduces 13 clauses that make significant changes to Zambia’s Constitution, including increasing constituency-based seats from 156 to 211, introducing a mixed-member proportional representation system to enhance inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities, harmonising parliamentary and council terms to five years, and providing for reserved seats for persons with disabilities.

Additional changes address ministerial vacancies close to elections, remove term limits for mayors and council chairpersons, revise council composition, update qualifications for Secretary to the Cabinet, clarify timelines for election petitions, restrict by-elections close to general elections, and refine definitions and procedures relating to elections, nominations, resignations, and vacancies.

History was made on 18th December 2025 when the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, signed into law the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 at an auspicious ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Three days earlier, on 15th December 2025, the National Assembly convened to vote on the Bill amid heightened national anticipation. Ultimately, 135 Members of Parliament out of 156 voted in favour of the Bill, successfully surpassing the mandatory two-thirds majority threshold required for any constitutional amendment to pass.

The journey toward the enactment of Amendment Bill No. 7 was not without controversy. Some sections of society argued that the process lacked wider consultation, transparency, and accountability. Conversely, other stakeholders strongly supported the Bill, maintaining that it is inherently progressive and deserving of implementation.

Now signed into law, the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 contains 13 clauses that amend various provisions of the Constitution. These amendments are intended to strengthen representation, improve electoral processes, and enhance governance structures.

One of the key amendments is the increase in constituency-based seats in the National Assembly from 156 to 211, in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s delimitation report.

The Bill also introduces a mixed-member proportional representation electoral system, which guarantees representation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in Parliament.

Additionally, the terms of Parliament and local government councils are harmonised to a unified five-year period, ensuring consistency across governance structures.

The Bill provides for a vacancy in the office of Minister or Provincial Minister that occurs within 90 days before a general election. Furthermore, the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons is removed.

In terms of local governance, the composition of councils is revised to include constituency-based Members of Parliament. The qualifications for appointment to the office of Secretary to the Cabinet are also updated.

The amendment clarifies the period within which election petitions must be concluded, while definitions of key terms such as “child,” “adult,” “election,” and “term” are amended for legal clarity and consistency.

The Bill further stipulates that by-elections cannot be held within 180 days before a general election. Procedures relating to nominations, resignations, and vacancies arising from death are revised.

Importantly, the amendment provides for five reserved seats for persons with disabilities in the National Assembly, strengthening inclusive representation.

Source: Signed Bill No. 7