Archdiocese of Lusaka Press Statement on Resurgence of Bill Seven (7)Again!
Proverbs 31: 8 -9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
We wish to express our deep concern and unequivocal opposition to the government’s continued
pursuit of Bill 7 under the guise of Constitutional Amendments and the recently constituted
Technical Committee.
We are gravely troubled by the government’s persistent disregard for sound
counsel and legal precedent in this matter.
It is important to reiterate that both the people of Zambia and the Constitutional Court have clearly
and consistently indicated that the current constitutional review process lacks legal foundation,
Despite this, the government has chosen to proceed with an initiative that is widely perceived as
illegitimate and self-serving.
We reaffirm the position previously articulated by the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of
Lusaka: this process does not reflect the collective will of the Zambian people.
Rather, it appears
to be driven by narrow interests, with the state apparatus seemingly held captive by an individual
intent on advancing personal ambitions at the expense of national integrity.
In any functioning democracy, such actions, undertaken in defiance of constitutional norms, would
warrant serious crutiny and accountability. The Mushabati-led Technical Committee, by
accepting its mandate under these circumstances,r isks being complicit in process that
undermines the democratic and constitutional gains Zambia has made over the years.
We therefore appeal to the conscience of the members of this committee to reconsider their
involvement. History has not been kind to those who have betrayed the public trust for personal
or political gain. The Church urges all well-meaning citizens and institutions to reject this
constitutional misadventure.
Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by the erosion of institutional independence and the
apparent politicization of key governance structures under the current administration. The timing
of this initiative, less than seven months before the dissolution of Parliament and the general
elections, raises serious questions about its intent and legitimacy.
We maintain that there is no urgent need to amend the current Constitution. What is urgently
needed is a government that respects the rule of law, upholds transparency, and embraces
accountability.
The present administration has demonstrated a troubling disposition toward
selective justice and political manipulation, which renders it unfit to lead such a critical national
undertaking.
The decision to set November 13th, 2025, as the final deadline for submissions to the Technical
Committee on Drafting Amendments to the Constitution aises serious concerns. Such a
compressed timeline is grossly inadequate for gathering the broad, inclusive, and meaningful input
required to shape a truly people-driven Constitution.
Rushing this process risks undermining
further its legitimacy and alienating the very citizens it is meant to serve
At a time when the nation is grappling with severe economic hardships, marked by relentless load
shedding and an escalating cost of living, the government’s prioritization of constitutional
amendments appears both ill-timed and misaligned with the urgent needs of the population.
The current approach diverts scarce national resources and attention away from crises that are eroding
livelihoods and public confidence.
Rather han accelerating constitutional changes under constrained timelines, the government
would do well to redirect its focus toward the country’s immediate economic challenges.
Establishing a dedicated technical committee to address critical issues such as energy stability and
economic relief would be a far more responsible and responsive course of action.
The people deserve a Constitution born of genuine participation, not haste, and a government that
responds to their most pressing struggles with clarity, compassion, and commitment.
In light of the above, we reiterate our firm stance: the constitutional amendment process as
currently constituted is unlawful, ill-advised, and detrimental to the common good. It is ourbconsidered view that this initiative is a veiled attempt to entrench a de facto one- -party state.
We call upon all citizens of goodwill to stand against this effort and to safeguard the democratic values that define our nation.
Issued by the IHD Caritas Lusaka
4th November,
Amendment of our Constitution is a constituency process. At this time, we all know what aught to be amened. In 2016, we were mostly concerned with 50+1 for the Presidential candidate popularity. running mate for the President too. Also qualification of the candidates at least Grade 12 and other needs.
Now, we are trying to refine/making corrections our laws which is not bad.
the changes or the refinements we want to make to our constitution are well known. They could have been done in 2016,but were scheduled for the later day, like now.
So the amendments now are very valid and I support TC and every Zambian that will participant.
Zambia! Forward! Indeed, we are moving forward as a nation.
The words coming from the mouth of the Bishop are not consistent with what is obtaining on the ground. From the day the Committee started sitting in provinces, the response has been overwhelming, people are very happy and are eager to contribute and have already done so. Even the Chiefs have gone further by saying that Constitution amendment is not a forcing matter but consultative, people will look at the selected clauses or lacunas and choose those ones which are good and leave out the contentious ones for more time or further consultations. For example, delimitation of Constituencies and Wards is something which is being supported by almost everyone. There is no one thing which is 100% perfect in this world but if it’s goodness outweighs its badness, then it can be taken. So what are the direct benefits of delimitation? 1. More Constituencies and more CDF making greater developmental impact in the Constituency. People can set their priorities and easily implement them. 2. More inclusion of Women, Youths and Persons living with disabilities. 3. More people adopted by various political players or parties, hence reducing the number of Independent candidates who give their support to their preferable parties from outside. 4. It gives or allows more participation and representation at all levels, that is, Ward, Constituency and Parliamentary level.
What Hakainde is doing now is for the betterment of the country and not for himself. We keep on saying that Leaders come and go but the country (people) remain. HH is not the life president, he is there today but tomorrow he won’t be there. Archbishop Alick Banda is not the life Bishop, he is there today but tomorrow he won’t be there. So for the sake of our country, allow the government to consult the people and then allow the people to choose or select what is good for them now and in future, that’s how democracy is.