The recent passage of Bill Number 7 of 2025 into law, formally the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 2025, has triggered intense political debate and public scrutiny. The amendments aim to enhance parliamentary inclusivity but have raised serious concerns regarding constitutional integrity, legislative procedure, and party discipline.

Prominent constitutional lawyer John Sangwa criticized the process, focusing on the Patriotic Front’s (PF) internal divisions. Approximately 30 PF MPs voted for the bill while 23 opposed it, a split Sangwa described as "a collapse of the parliamentary aspect of our constitutional order." He argued that Zambia’s fused governance system relies on party unity for constitutional matters and condemned the absence of a clearly communicated PF position. Sangwa also denounced Parliament’s decision to pass Bill 7 while related court cases were ongoing, calling it "complete chaos" and suggesting that the constitutional order has been undermined.

The amendments, particularly in Article 68, create a more inclusive National Assembly by introducing 40 proportional representation (PR) seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, alongside 226 directly elected constituency MPs. Nominated MPs are capped at 11, limiting executive discretion and strengthening legislative independence. Hon. Sunday Chanda emphasized that the proportional representation mechanism ensures fair inclusion while maintaining democratic legitimacy.

Public reactions have been mixed. Anthony Banda of Lusaka’s Jack Compound praised the reforms for enhancing inclusivity and criticized church leaders for engaging in partisan politics. Itezhi-Tezhi MP Twaambo Mutinta urged national unity to ensure the law achieves its objectives. On the political front, PF internal strife intensified, with UPND Alliance Chair Charles Milupi inviting supportive PF MPs to the ruling party, labeling threats of expulsion "illegal." Government Chief Whip Stafford Mulusa assured MPs that no coercion occurred, attributing support to understanding the benefits of the amendments, including constituency delimitation. State House communications chief Clayson Hamasaka called Bill 7 "history," urging an end to the demonization of MPs.

Even amid parliamentary unity in the second voting round, some MPs, like Kamfinsa’s Christopher Kang’ombe (PF), voiced concerns over procedural decorum, particularly Speaker Nelly Mutti’s celebratory conduct, emphasizing their commitment to amending "bad clauses" in the initial bill.

Sangwa’s intervention also renewed debate over his political influence. As founder of the Movement for National Renewal (MNR), he continues to champion systemic reforms but struggles to mobilize widespread public support, particularly in rural areas. Analysts note that without translating legal expertise into grassroots organization, Sangwa’s warnings risk remaining an intellectual critique rather than a driver of actionable reform.

The passage of Bill 7 marks a historic constitutional milestone for Zambia, balancing inclusion with controversy, and its long-term impact on parliamentary governance and political cohesion remains under close observation.