Adding Our Voice to Bill 7 Debate
On 24th September 2025, Transparency & Accountability Lab participated in a Public Debate on Bill No. 7 organized by Byta FM Zambia with support from MISA Zambia. We joined other civil society voices in raising concern over the proposed constitutional amendments. Bill 7 poses serious risks to Zambia’s democracy. It expands Parliament from 156 to 256 seats at a huge cost to taxpayers without addressing the real problem of fair representation. It introduces a weak proportional representation system that, instead of empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, risks sidelining them further. The Bill also hands political parties the power to replace Members of Parliament, stripping citizens of their fundamental right to choose their representatives. In addition, Bill 7 weakens checks and balances by increasing presidentially nominated MPs, blurring the line between Parliament and local councils, and removing the early dissolution of Parliament before elections, which could allow abuse of incumbency and state resources during campaigns. What Zambia needs are constitutional reforms that are transparent, inclusive, and people-driven — not amendments that entrench narrow political interests.
