Zambia’s parliament has approved a controversial bill seeking to alter key election-related provisions in the constitution, a move that has deepened political divisions ahead of the August 2026 general election.
The legislation, known as Bill 7, was passed on Monday by an overwhelming majority, despite strong resistance from opposition parties, civil society groups and church leaders who warned that the changes could tilt the political field in favour of President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND party.
Lawmakers voted 131 to 2 in support of the bill, which introduces wide-ranging amendments to the constitution of the southern African country. Among the changes is an increase in the number of elected parliamentary seats, alongside the creation of 40 special seats reserved for women, youth and persons with disabilities. The bill also removes the two-term limit for mayors, allowing them to serve more than two five-year terms.
Opposition figures and civil groups had earlier raised concerns about the speed at which the bill was handled in parliament, arguing that it did not allow for broad public consultation. They warned that the proposed amendments would weaken democratic safeguards and strengthen the position of the ruling party ahead of next year’s polls.
Justice Minister Princess Kasune defended the legislation following its passage, saying it was meant to strengthen fairness in the country’s electoral system. “This is a covenant with the Zambian people to promote fairness,” she said after the vote.
For the bill to take effect, it must now be signed into law by President Hichilema.
Opposition lawmakers rejected the outcome, describing the process as unlawful. Francis Kapyanga, a lawmaker from the Patriotic Front, said he would not “legitimise an illegality,” reflecting wider anger within the opposition ranks over the changes.
The passage of Bill 7 comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country of about 22 million people. Divisions have recently been exposed by a dispute over the burial of former president Edgar Lungu, who died in a hospital in neighbouring South Africa in June. His family has declined to return his body to Zambia for burial, citing objections to plans for President Hichilema to preside over the funeral.
Following the parliamentary vote, Lungu’s family spokesman and Patriotic Front presidential hopeful Makebi Zulu issued a sharp response on social media. “The struggle for democracy and respect for the rule of law begins in earnest today,” he said.
President Hichilema, who is seeking a second and final five-year term as allowed under the constitution, acknowledged that the bill had caused divisions across the country. He said the debate around the proposed changes had “tested” national unity but maintained that the decision of parliament should be accepted.
