HH Signs Bill 7 into Law, Ushering in New Era of Inclusive Democracy

Historic constitutional amendments expand representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities

President Hakainde Hichilema today signed the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 into law at a ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, marking what many observers are calling a watershed moment for Zambian democracy.

The signing ceremony, broadcast live across television, radio, and social media platforms, formalises one of the most significant constitutional reforms since the current charter was adopted in 2016. The amendments introduce sweeping changes designed to make Parliament more representative of all Zambians, particularly groups that have historically been underrepresented in national decision-making.

"This is a defining moment for Zambia's democracy and national unity," President Hichilema said following the passage of the Bill by Parliament on December 15. "The greatest winners in this process are the people of Zambia and our democracy itself."

Guaranteeing Representation for Marginalised Groups

At the heart of Bill 7 is the introduction of a Mixed Member Proportional Representation electoral system that, for the first time, guarantees Parliamentary seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The amendments create 40 reserved seats allocated through proportional representation based on political parties' national vote share—a bold step toward correcting long-standing imbalances in Zambian governance.

Justice Minister Princess Kasune described the legislation as "a covenant with the Zambian people aimed at inclusion, fairness, representation and strengthening democracy."

For decades, women, young people, and persons with disabilities have been key drivers of Zambia's economic and social progress yet remained significantly underrepresented in Parliament. The new provisions ensure their voices are not merely optional but constitutionally guaranteed, bringing fresh perspectives and lived experiences into national policymaking.

Expanding Representation Across the Nation

Bill 7 also increases the number of constituency-based Parliamentary seats from 156 to 211, implementing the Electoral Commission's delimitation report. This expansion addresses a critical gap in representation as Zambia's population has grown and shifted, leaving many communities underserved by MPs struggling to manage oversized constituencies.

With smaller, more manageable constituencies, legislators will be better positioned to engage directly with citizens, respond to local needs, and deliver meaningful development at the grassroots level.

Making CDF Fairer and More Effective

One of the most practical benefits of delimitation is the more equitable distribution of the Constituency Development Fund across the country. Under the current system, some constituencies are so large that CDF resources are stretched impossibly thin, making effective development delivery nearly impossible.

Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, explained that smaller constituencies will allow for more equitable and effective utilisation of CDF, with direct benefits for infrastructure development. "Delimitation will improve planning, implementation, and monitoring of CDF-supported projects, ensuring timely completion and greater impact on education outcomes," he said.

The Constituency Development Fund, substantially increased from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency under the UPND government, represents Zambia's most ambitious move toward fiscal decentralisation. However, in oversized constituencies covering vast geographical areas, MPs and local committees struggle to effectively plan, implement, and monitor development projects. The result has been uneven access to basic services like classrooms, health facilities, boreholes, and feeder roads.

By creating smaller, more manageable constituencies that reflect actual settlement patterns and service geography, Bill 7 ensures that CDF can work as intended—as a powerful tool for grassroots development that reaches communities rather than just covering territory. This is particularly crucial for rural areas where a single bridge, classroom block, or borehole can transform economic opportunities for an entire generation.

The delimitation of oversized constituencies strengthens community participation in CDF decision-making, enhances project monitoring and accountability, and ensures that development resources respond more effectively to local needs. For millions of rural Zambians who have waited longest for basic services, this reform makes CDF not supplementary but foundational to equitable national development.

Strengthening Electoral Fairness

The proportional representation component introduced through the reserved seats represents a significant improvement to Zambia's democratic architecture. While the first-past-the-post system remains for constituency elections, the addition of proportional elements ensures Parliament's final composition more accurately reflects the national will of voters.

This hybrid approach is designed to reduce political polarisation by ensuring that parties' overall support translates into Parliamentary representation, creating a more balanced and collaborative legislative environment.

Additional Democratic Reforms

Beyond expanding representation, Bill 7 includes several provisions aimed at improving governance efficiency and clarity. The amendments harmonise the terms of Parliament and local councils to a unified five-year period, reducing confusion and unnecessary expenditure around election timing.

The Bill also clarifies procedures for handling vacancies, addresses the timeline for determining presidential petitions, and updates qualification requirements for senior government positions. These technical improvements, while less visible than the headline reforms, strengthen the operational framework of Zambian democracy.

A People-Driven Process

The path to today's signing was not without challenges. After the Constitutional Court declared an earlier version of the Bill unconstitutional in June for insufficient public consultation, President Hichilema appointed a 25-member Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments to conduct a nationwide consultative process.

The revised Bill, incorporating recommendations from these consultations, secured overwhelming support in the National Assembly. During the crucial third reading on December 15, all 135 MPs present voted in favour, with none opposing or abstaining—a clear demonstration of legislative unity around these democratic reforms.

Looking Forward

Speaking after Parliament's vote, President Hichilema called for national unity as the country moves forward. "United by our shared destiny, let us reaffirm our commitment to One Zambia, One Nation, and work collectively for the progress and prosperity of our country," he said.

With the 2026 general elections approaching, Bill 7 ensures that Zambia's democracy will be more inclusive and representative than ever before. The reforms position the country as a regional leader in constitutional innovation, demonstrating that democratic progress is possible through dialogue, consultation, and commitment to the principles of fairness and inclusion.

As the ink dries on this historic legislation, Zambians can take pride in a democracy that is evolving to better serve all its citizens—ensuring that every voice is heard, every vote counts, and every community is represented in the halls of power.