Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has put on hold Bill 7 of 2025, a contentious constitutional amendment proposal, in response to mounting criticism over transparency and the exclusion of key stakeholders.
The suspension was announced following consultations with religious leaders and over 30 civil society organizations, underscoring the government’s recognition of the need for a more inclusive dialogue.
Presidential spokesman Clayson Hamasaka confirmed the move in a statement released on Thursday.
“This decision underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a participatory and consensual process to develop transformative legislative reforms,” Hamasaka said, adding that Justice Minister Princess Kasune has been tasked with reviewing the constitutional reform roadmap to ensure broader public engagement.
The bill originally sought to expand the National Assembly and increase the number of presidential appointees within the legislature.
While the government framed these changes as necessary corrections to existing representational imbalances, critics argue the reform would disproportionately strengthen executive powers at the expense of democratic checks and balances.
Civil society groups, legal experts, and opposition politicians have voiced concerns over what they describe as a lack of transparency and insufficient public consultation throughout the bill’s development.
The broad unease led to calls for a halt to the process until a more participatory framework could be established.
President Hichilema’s decision reflects an attempt to address these criticisms and reset the constitutional reform dialogue on a foundation of greater inclusivity and consensus.
The suspension signals the government’s willingness to reconsider its approach and engage more fully with civil society and other stakeholders.
As Zambia navigates this critical juncture, the outcome of the constitutional reform remains uncertain but highlights the delicate balance between reform ambitions and democratic accountability.
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