EXCLUSIVE: Sikota Insisted on Studio Venue for Bill 7 Debate

As Minister Mulambo Haimbe and ULP President Sakwiba Sikota face off on Diamond TV right now, Open Zambia can reveal that Mr Sikota specifically requested the debate be held in a television studio rather than before a public audience.

Sources close to the negotiations between the two legal teams indicate that Mr Sikota expressed concerns about facing a live public audience and insisted the encounter be conducted in the television studio setting with limited attendance.

The request represents a notable shift from the ULP leader's original challenge, which called for a public debate with President Hakainde Hichilema on the constitutional amendments.

According to sources familiar with the arrangements, Minister Haimbe's team had initially been open to various venue options, including university auditoriums or public halls that could accommodate civil society observers and interested citizens.

However, Mr Sikota's legal team made clear their client would only participate if the debate was held in Diamond TV's studio with a controlled audience limited to technical crew and moderators.

Minister Haimbe ultimately agreed to the studio format to ensure the debate proceeded, with government sources indicating that the substance of constitutional arguments matters more than the venue.

The development has raised questions among some observers about whether opposition figures genuinely seek public engagement or prefer controlled environments where they can manage optics more carefully.

The debate is currently airing live on Diamond TV.