Zambia's proposed Bill 7 of 2025 has ignited a fierce national debate, with critics contending it represents a perilous threat to the nation's constitutional order and democratic principles. Opponents argue that the Bill seeks to fundamentally rewrite the rules of democracy, thereby undermining the will of the people, weakening Parliament, and elevating the presidency above all other institutions.

One of the most contentious provisions allows the President to appoint fifty members of Parliament. This proposal is widely condemned as political corruption enshrined in law, creating a 'battalion of MPs' whose primary loyalty would be to the President rather than to their constituents. Critics warn that this would grant the President unchecked power, enabling the amendment of the Constitution, removal of term limits, abolition of the 50+1 rule, and the imposition of any legal changes designed to consolidate power.

Another alarming feature highlighted is the opaque and suspicious manipulation of constituency delimitation. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency regarding which constituencies would be increased, merged, or eliminated. There are strong indications that the intention is to multiply constituencies in specific political strongholds, thereby giving one party a permanent numerical advantage. This practice is decried as gerrymandering and tribal arithmetic, posing a severe attack on fairness and equality, and potentially destabilizing the nation if constitutional boundaries are drawn to favor some citizens over others.

Perhaps the most chilling clause grants the President the power to fire an elected Member of Parliament and replace them without a by-election. This provision is seen as undeniable proof that Bill 7 was crafted to weaken Parliament and stifle dissent, turning MPs into 'frightened spectators' unable to challenge the President without fear of instant removal. Opponents argue that this undermines the sovereignty of the people who elected them into office and renders elections meaningless if the President can simply replace elected leaders with handpicked appointees.

Furthermore, the Bill seeks to centralize land administration under the state, a move that critics believe would weaken the authority of traditional leaders and expose communities to dispossession. Zambia’s land is described as a crucial cultural, economic, and ancestral asset that should not be subjected to political manipulation. Centralizing land control in this manner is seen as opening dangerous avenues for exploitation by foreign interests and political elites.

The Oasis Forum, a significant civic voice, has withdrawn its participation from the reform process, asserting that it violates Constitutional Court directives and lacks legitimacy. Forum Chairperson Beauty Katebe stated that the organization could not continue in a process that contravenes the Court’s earlier ruling, which nullified the Bill’s initiation due to inadequate public consultation. The Forum also criticized the Technical Committee, responsible for collecting public submissions, for operating without a proper legal framework to ensure independence and accountability. Insisting that Bill 7 must be withdrawn, the Oasis Forum also condemned the decision to align the reform process with the 2026 electoral calendar, arguing that the rushed timeline undermines inclusivity and diverts attention from pressing national challenges such as the cost of living, water shortages, and unemployment. Ms. Katebe warned that proceeding with Bill 7 in its current form poses “a serious threat to the integrity of Zambia’s foundational law and risks plunging the nation into disorder.” The Forum announced its intention to pursue all available legal channels and seek international support to pressure the government into halting the process.

Conversely, President Hichilema has called on stakeholders to help correct misinformation surrounding Bill 7, emphasizing the government's commitment to following correct procedures in handling the amendment. He stated that he would not regret it if Bill 7 ultimately fails to pass, stressing that transparency and due process remain central to the reform effort. These remarks were made during a meeting with church leaders from Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Western Provinces at State House.

The Technical Committee chairperson, Christopher Mushabati, represented by vice chairperson Landilani Banda, reported to the President that over 11,800 submissions were collected, marking the second highest recorded in Zambia’s constitutional review process, achieved efficiently within two months. Judge Mushabati emphasized that the committee carried out its work effectively and without interference, guided by its terms of reference, conducting physical sittings at provincial centers and virtual sittings in all districts.

However, Rev Walter Mwambazi posits that the debate around Bill 7 has once again exposed deep fault lines in Zambia’s constitutional journey. He described a recent event at State House as