Zambia's Political Firestorm: PF Splits Over Bill 7, High-Profile Resignations and Expulsions Rock Ruling Party
Zambia's opposition Patriotic Front (PF) is facing internal turmoil after expelling MPs who backed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7. The government maintains these expulsions are symbolic, while an affected MP denies bribery allegations, and a provincial chairperson resigns in protest. The situation highlights deep divisions and constitutional debates within Zambian politics.
Zambia's leading opposition party, the Patriotic Front (PF), is embroiled in a significant internal crisis following the expulsion of Members of Parliament who voted in favour of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7. PF Acting President, Given Lubinda, announced these expulsions on Thursday, December 18, 2025, accusing the MPs of defying party instructions by supporting the controversial bill. This move has triggered a strong reaction from various quarters, including the government, affected MPs, and regional party leadership.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, intervened in what he termed an intrusion into the PF's internal wrangling, asserting that the expulsion of MPs who supported Bill No. 7 is merely symbolic and has no legal effect on their parliamentary seats. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Mweetwa stressed that the affected MPs would remain in Parliament until the next general elections, assuring that no by-elections would be triggered. He emphasized that Zambia operates under the rule of law, which protects all citizens, including parliamentarians, in the execution of their constitutional duties. Mweetwa cited Article 76 of the Constitution of Zambia, stating that the MPs' decision to vote for Bill No. 7 was lawful and within their mandate. He further explained that the Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities Act safeguards legislators from sanctions or intimidation arising from their parliamentary functions, describing Lubinda’s announcement as an