December 15, 2025 The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 has successfully passed its second reading in the National Assembly, marking a significant step forward in Zambia’s ongoing constitutional reform process.
Overwhelming Parliamentary Support
After intense debate from both proponents and opponents, the Bill secured a decisive 131 votes in favour, 2 against, and 0 abstentions comfortably meeting the constitutionally required two-thirds majority threshold of 128 votes. The strong showing reflects broad cross-party consensus on the proposed amendments.
Next Steps: Committee Stage Analysis
The Bill now advances to the Committee Stage, where Members of Parliament will conduct line-by-line scrutiny of each clause. This phase typically involves:
- Detailed technical review of proposed changes
- Public consultations and stakeholder input
- Potential amendments before final reading
The Committee is expected to report back within 30-60 days, paving the way for the crucial Third Reading and potential presidential assent.
Significance of Bill No. 7
While specific details of the amendments remain under parliamentary consideration, Constitution Amendment Bills typically address critical areas such as:
- Electoral reforms (presidential terms, election timing)
- Devolution and local governance
- Judicial independence and appointments
- Bill of Rights expansions
Public and Stakeholder Reactions
Civil society organizations have welcomed the progress, calling for transparency during committee deliberations. Opposition voices emphasized the need for robust public participation before final passage.
Stay tuned for committee stage developments and full breakdown of proposed constitutional changes. This landmark Bill could reshape Zambia’s governance framework for the next decade.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
