Zambia Parliament Passes Disputed Bill to Change Election Laws

Zambia's parliament passed Bill 7, amending 13 constitutional articles to increase parliamentary seats, reserve positions for women, youth, and disabled people, and remove term limits for mayors. The opposition claims it favors President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections, while the government insists the changes are for long-term national benefit. The bill passed 131-2 and now awaits Hichilema’s signature amid rising political tensions, including disputes over former President Edgar Lungu’s burial.

Zambia's parliament on Monday passed a bill with overwhelming support that seeks to modify constitutional provisions related to elections. The legislation has sparked intense debate, with the opposition arguing that it is designed to benefit President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of next year’s elections. President Hichilema and the government, however, have rejected these claims, insisting that the proposed changes are made in good faith and intended to provide long-term benefits to the Zambian people.

Opposition politicians, civil society organizations, and church groups had lobbied vigorously against Bill 7, raising concerns that it was rushed through parliament and would give an unfair advantage to Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND) during the August 2026 elections. Despite these objections, the bill successfully passed, amending 13 articles of the constitution of the copper-rich Southern African nation. Among the key provisions, the number of parliamentary seats will increase from 156 to 226, with 35 seats reserved specifically for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the bill removes the restriction limiting mayors to two five-year terms, a move that critics argue could strengthen Hichilema’s political influence at local levels.

Following the 131-2 vote, Justice Minister Princess Kasune described the legislation as “a covenant with the Zambian people to promote fairness,” noting that the bill now requires only President Hichilema’s signature to become law. Opposition lawmaker Francis Kapyanga of the Patriotic Front (PF) condemned the process, stating that he would not “legitimise an illegality,” reflecting the deep political divide over the measure.

The passage of Bill 7 comes amid heightened political tensions in Zambia, which has a population of approximately 22 million. These tensions have been exemplified by a standoff over the burial of Hichilema’s predecessor, Edgar Lungu, who died in a hospital in neighboring South Africa in June. Lungu’s family has refused to repatriate his body for burial because President Hichilema had intended to preside over the funeral, an issue that has drawn national and international attention and underscored divisions between political factions.

In response to the parliamentary approval of Bill 7, Lungu family spokesperson and PF presidential hopeful Makebi Zulu took to social media to declare, “The struggle for democracy and respect for the rule of law begins in earnest today.” The statement highlighted the opposition’s perception that the bill undermines democratic principles and the integrity of constitutional limits. President Hichilema, who is seeking the second of his constitutionally limited two five-year terms, acknowledged that the bill had “tested” national unity. He emphasized, however, that the outcome of the parliamentary vote must be respected and that the legislative process reflected a commitment to long-term fairness and governance reforms in Zambia.