13th National Assembly Ends Current Session

The 13th National Assembly has adjourned sine die, bringing to a close a landmark legislative session that began on 10th September 2021 and is now headed for dissolution ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti formally adjourned the House on Tuesday evening, highlighting a string of progressive laws passed during the session. Among the most significant was the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, which resulted in the enactment of the amended Constitution Act No. 13 of 2025.

Ms. Mutti noted that Parliament also passed the Penal Code Amendment Bill, abolishing the death penalty, and repealed the offence of criminal defamation of the President. The Electoral Process Amendment Bill and the Public Gathering Bill, which will replace the Public Order Act once assented to, were also approved.

Acting Leader of Government Business in the House Jack Mwiimbu said the legislative record reflected meaningful reform, expressing confidence that the UPND will return to power after the 2026 polls under President Hakainde Hichilema.

Political analyst Lackson Lungu said the country is entering a critical phase, with all Ministers and Members of Parliament set to cease holding office once Parliament is formally dissolved.