NEWS BRIEFING | Debate Over Delimitation and Bill 7 Intensifies
Zambia’s constitutional reform debate has evolved Sunday, with sharp criticism emerging from opposition figures, activist scholars and civil society groups, following renewed questions about the proposed delimitation of constituencies under Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.
The most forceful critique came from academic and political analyst Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, who argues that President Hakainde Hichilema is pursuing delimitation “to secure internal party cohesion, expand parliamentary control and shape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 election.”
His 10-page public analysis, released this weekend, alleges that the proposed new constituencies disproportionately benefit UPND strongholds and could influence future constitutional changes.
Patriotic Front party presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has issued his own statement, insisting that constitutional reforms must be “citizen-driven” and not anchored on the interests of what he described as “one individual.”
Mundubile has vowed that the opposition would organise to block Bill 7 when it returns to the House.
The debate comes at a time when anti-Bill 7 sentiment is rising among PF structures, clergy networks and civic groups.
Online forums and partisan pages have amplified arguments questioning the timing, intent and transparency of the reform process, especially with less than ten months before the next general election.
State House has maintained that the reforms are intended to address long-standing gaps in representation, improve governance efficiency, and align constituency sizes with demographic changes.
Senior government figures argue that the ongoing work of the Technical Committee reflects public submissions across all provinces, not partisan demands.
Data from the 2022 census shows that Lusaka, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces have the highest populations despite having comparatively fewer constituencies, a pattern now central to the national conversation.
Critics say delimitation should prioritise population density, while supporters say the exercise must also account for geography, communication infrastructure and historical cohesion, as outlined in Article 59 of the Constitution.
The growing debate has created distinct camps:
• Pro-Bill 7 voices, who insist Parliament is the legitimate arena for constitutional amendments.
• Anti-Bill 7 voices, who argue that MPs are vulnerable to political pressure and that changes must wait for broader national consensus.
With the President expected to meet additional civil society organisations on Monday, the dispute over constitutional reform, internal party politics and Zambia’s governance trajectory is set to remain at the forefront of public debate.
© The People’s Brief | Ollus R. Ndomu
Is it not clear that bills for amendment of the constitution shall be voted for or against by Parliament?? Why do we want to waste time on non issues?? In our Zambian democracy, we elect parliament to represent the Zambian interests on laws and amendment of the constitution. Even the delimitation of constituencies shall be debated by and voted for or against by parliament. Why should we be guided by Sishuwa Sishuwa and others who want to use partisan lens to deny parliament their roles as stipulated in the constitution??
@Ngoma Yamaano
My friend you are lying to yourself.
The Illegitimate and Unconstitutional Bill 7 is in Parliament. It was frozen at Committee Stage. Have you seen in this Bill how the 55 additional Constituency based Parliamentary seats are going to be distributed?
There’s nothing.Its Top Secret and the Members of Parliament do not know. What they know is just a a block figure of 55 . The distribution is not there!
This is the Scam Hakainde is pushing for Zambia.
THIS IS BILL 7: Let these fake greedy opposition politicians and black friday fazaz who pray in black the katolika tell us the danger here. Facts and evidence based discussions healthy for the nation.THIS IS BILL 7
Here are the 13 amendments to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with reasons why we should support them:
1. *Increase in National Assembly seats*: From 156 to 211 constituency-based seats, aligning with the Electoral Commission’s delimitation report.
– Reason: This will enhance representation and democracy, ensuring more citizens have a voice in parliament.
2. *Mixed-member proportional representation*: Introducing a system to guarantee representation for women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
– Reason: This will promote inclusivity and diversity, ensuring marginalized groups have a stronger voice in parliament.
3. *Reserved seats*: 20 for women, 12 for youths, and 3 for persons with disabilities, allocated based on party performance.
– Reason: This will ensure more representation and participation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
4. *Removal of two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons*: Promoting accountability and transparency.
– Reason: This will allow experienced leaders to continue serving, promoting stability and good governance.
5. *Harmonization of parliamentary and council terms*: Aligning terms to 5 years, promoting stability and good governance.
– Reason: This will ensure consistency and predictability, allowing for more effective planning and implementation.
6. *Vacancy in Minister’s office 90 days before elections*: Ensuring accountability and transparency.
– Reason: This will prevent abuse of power and ensure a smooth transition.
7. *Revised qualifications for Secretary to Cabinet*: From 10 years to 5 years, promoting meritocracy.
– Reason: This will ensure the best candidates are appointed, regardless of experience.
8. *Attorney-General and Solicitor-General continue in office*: Until new appointments are made, ensuring continuity.
– Reason: This will ensure stability and consistency in government operations.
9. *Revised definition of “child” and “adult”*: Clarifying legal definitions, promoting clarity.
– Reason: This will ensure consistency and clarity in laws and policies.
10. *Election petition deadlines*: Specifying timelines, promoting efficiency.
– Reason: This will ensure timely resolution of disputes, promoting stability.
11. *Inclusion of MPs in councils*: Enhancing representation and participation.
– Reason: This will ensure MPs are more involved in local governance, promoting accountability.
12. *Revised nomination procedures*: Addressing resignations and disqualifications, promoting fairness.
– Reason: This will ensure a smooth and fair process, promoting democracy.
13. *Clarification of partial terms*: Addressing ambiguities, promoting clarity.
– Reason: This will ensure consistency and fairness, preventing abuse of power.
Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen democracy, promote accountability, and enhance representation and participation in Zambia.
I think this is one of the best amendments. Where is the issue of contention here? Surely yimwe ba PF, BA KATOLIKA, ALICK BANDA, LINGISANI ZULU KU LAZ, faza chikoyaaa, nabambi nabambi ba black preyazi on a black friday.