The Zambian Parliament's recent decision to process a significant number of Bills, ranging from 74 to 77, within an exceptionally short timeframe of just nine days, spanning from May 4 to May 12, 2026, before its dissolution on May 15 ahead of the August general elections, has sparked widespread criticism from both opposition political parties and civil society organizations. This rushed legislative process has been described as a profound threat to the integrity of quality legislation, constitutional democracy, and the fundamental principles of good governance and meaningful public participation in the country.

Sean Tembo, the vice president of the opposition political party Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), has been particularly vocal in his condemnation. Speaking on the YAR FM Breakfast show, Mr. Tembo argued that laws are inherently designed to be sustainable and long-term, asserting that frequent amendments are often indicative of inadequate scrutiny during their initial passage. He expressed deep skepticism regarding the government's motives for introducing such a substantial number of Bills at the eleventh hour, especially after having been in office for nearly five years. Mr. Tembo questioned whether the expedited process was deliberately intended to curtail proper scrutiny by both Members of Parliament and the general public, labeling the approach as regrettable. He further urged citizens to recognize the gravity of passing laws, emphasizing that legislation profoundly impacts every citizen and thus necessitates thorough debate and extensive consultation.

Concurrently, two prominent Civil Society Organisations, LCK Freedom Foundation and Chapter One Foundation, have taken a decisive step by rushing to the High Court to seek an immediate halt to the government’s move. In a joint application for judicial review, they are challenging the decision to table and process these 77 Bills within the compressed nine-day period. The organisations are not only seeking a declaration that this process is unconstitutional but also an urgent court order to immediately stop the tabling and processing of the Bills, pending the full determination of the matter by the court.

In a joint statement signed by LCK Freedom Foundation executive director Linda Kasonde and Chapter One Foundation executive director Josiah Kalala, the CSOs meticulously argued that the compressed legislative process is fundamentally unlawful, irrational, and unconstitutional. They specifically challenged the suspension of the National Assembly’s Standing Orders, contending that such a move directly undermines constitutional safeguards specifically designed to ensure adequate scrutiny of proposed laws. Their statement unequivocally declared, “The decision by the Government to rush 77 Bills through Parliament in nine days strikes at the heart of constitutional governance in Zambia.” The organizations further highlighted that Article 89 of the Constitution imposes a mandatory obligation on Parliament to facilitate meaningful public participation in the legislative process, a requirement that includes rigorous scrutiny through Parliamentary Select Committees. They posited that within the extremely limited timeframe proposed by the Government, no meaningful consultation could conceivably take place, emphasizing the practical impossibility for any member of the public, or indeed any Member of Parliament, to meaningfully read, understand, analyse, and respond to 77 pieces of legislation in just nine days.

In light of these critical concerns, both the opposition political party and the civil society organizations have issued a unified call for immediate action. The CSOs are asking the High Court to declare the entire process unconstitutional and any legislation passed in violation of Article 89 to be null and void. They have joined Mr. Tembo in urging the Government and the National Assembly to postpone the processing of the Bills, thereby allowing for ample and adequate time for thorough public engagement, parliamentary debate, and robust consultation. This collective stance underscores a shared commitment to upholding democratic principles, ensuring legislative quality, and safeguarding the long-term sustainability and legitimacy of Zambia’s legal framework.