The Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 has been returned to Zambia's National Assembly for consideration, igniting significant political tension and legal debate. This move follows the submission of a technical report and draft bill to President Hakainde Hichilema by the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments. The Bill's reintroduction comes despite a previous Constitutional Court ruling on July 27, 2025, which declared it unconstitutional.

Amidst the legislative storm, Citygate Christian Centre Bishop Victor Kalesha clarified and apologized for recent remarks he made at State House, which were widely circulated on social media. Bishop Kalesha, who met President Hichilema with other church leaders to express support for Bill 7, was quoted suggesting that only people with children have the moral authority to speak on constitutional reforms. These comments were perceived as targeting Catholic clergy and the Oasis Forum. Bishop Kalesha stated that these were off-the-cuff remarks, misunderstood and taken out of context. He has since withdrawn the contentious part of his statement, apologized to those offended, including the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and emphasized his commitment to peace and that his written statement should be regarded as his official position. He expressed gratitude for the gracious acceptance of his apology by the ZCCB, describing it as a testament to the love of Christ.

In Parliament, Minister of Justice directed the House to immediately resume consideration of the Bill, activating a Select Committee on the spot. This action intensified political heat, marked by accusations and a watchful electorate. Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu raised a point of order questioning Hon. Given Katuta's undermining of the Bill 7 Committee based on social media information, but the Deputy Speaker declined to rule, stating the House does not rely on social media. This did little to calm the storm, as the names of committee members had already circulated, fueling partisan outrage. Hon. Katuta publicly responded, expressing concern over the committee's composition and urging Zambians to pray for divine mercy.

The Select Committee list itself has become a focal point of controversy. It includes prominent UPND members like Garry Nkombo, Sibeso Sefulo, Brian Kambita, and Stanley Kakubo, alongside Independent MPs Emmanuel Banda and George Kandafuila. Critically, it also features PF MPs Sibongile Mwamba, Elias Daka, and Davies Mung’andu, as well as minor-party MPs Simon Banda (NCP) and Imanga Wamunyima (NUP). Their inclusion has provoked fury within PF ranks, as these MPs are accused by the party's base of aligning with the ruling bloc. Activists have circulated unverified lists alleging bribery, targeting Independent MPs like Warren Mwambazi, Joe Chibuye, and Misheck Nyambose, and PF MPs such as Anthony Mumba, Elias Daka, and Davies Mung’andu with hostility from their own grassroots.

Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa defended the Bill, clarifying that it aims to provide clarity and predictability in the electoral process, ensure election integrity, and strengthen national governance. He insisted that the amendments align with democratic principles and national development, not partisan interests. Mweetwa assured that the Bill has been returned in its original form without alterations and that the Select Committee would review all submissions made to the Technical Committee by citizens. He stressed that Article 52(6) could trigger a constitutional crisis if a presidential candidate withdraws close to an election, leading to delays and increased costs. He urged constructive engagement from critics, emphasizing national interests.

However, constitutional lawyer Mehluli Batakathi deemed the re-tabling process illegal, citing the Constitutional Court's previous declaration. He questioned the appointment of a Technical Committee if the intention was to stick to the same bill. Patriotic Front Presidential hopeful Chishimba Kambwili warned that Bill 7 is unconstitutional and designed to extend the ruling party’s stay in power, arguing that public objections have been ignored and a Constitutional Court ruling must be respected. He urged Celestine Mukandila and Munir Zulu to commence contempt charges, asserting that MPs supporting the Bill will be held accountable by future governments. National Democratic Congress President Saboi Imboela also expressed disappointment, questioning the urgency behind the UPND government’s push for a bill rejected by Zambians.

The State, in a cross-petition, has asked the Constitutional Court to overturn its landmark ruling, arguing that the majority judgment stepped outside constitutional boundaries by inventing procedures not found in Article 79 and effectively