State Condemns ‘Misinformation’ on Bill 7
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24, (12 December 2025) — The government has condemned what it describes as widespread “misinformation” surrounding the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, accusing opposition political actors and aligned legal commentators of deliberately misleading the public about the bill’s legality and intent.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Chief Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, said the so-called misinformation campaign was causing unnecessary confusion among citizens and undermining trust in the constitutional amendment process.
Hon. Mweetwa stressed that contrary to claims by Bill 7 opponents, the Constitutional Court did not declare the bill illegal.
He explained that the Court merely ruled that the initiation of the amendment process “went against the spirit” of certain constitutional articles, but did not amount to a breach.
“Going against the spirit of the law is neither here nor there,” he said.
“There was no breach of the Constitution in the initiation of Bill No. 7.”
He added that the government has already complied with the Court’s call for broader public consultations by appointing a Technical Committee, but maintains that the Court’s new requirement for pre-initiation consultations contradicts Articles 76 and 79, which give Parliament full authority to amend the Constitution.
The Attorney General has begun a process to request the Court to vary that portion of its ruling.
Hon. Mweetwa also criticised the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), accusing it of offering politically influenced interpretations instead of providing objective legal guidance.
He said LAZ had not consulted its full membership before issuing public statements, which he described as part of the ongoing misinformation.
Responding to fresh claims that amendments to Bill 7 cannot be made unless they are gazetted 30 days in advance, Mweetwa clarified that the gazetting requirement applies only before the First Reading.
Amendments at the current Report Stage fall under National Assembly Standing Orders, and thus the opposition’s argument “has no legal basis.”
The Minister reaffirmed that Bill 7 is restricted to 13 specific items, including provisions to improve representation for women, youth and differently-abled persons and to provide legal clarity on election petition timelines ahead of the 2026 polls.
He warned that proposals outside the bill’s scope, such as changes to the running mate clause, cannot be introduced at this stage.
Hon. Mweetwa further alleged that some individuals benefiting from past corrupt arrangements are mobilising funds to bribe Members of Parliament to vote against the bill.
He insisted that Bill 7 is a national issue, not a partisan one, and is essential for ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
He noted growing support for Bill 7 from major institutions such as the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions and student movements, saying this reflects the public’s increasing understanding of the bill’s purpose.
He expressed confidence that the bill will pass smoothly once presented for a vote.
Hon. Mweetwa concluded by urging Zambians to ignore misinformation, trust Parliament’s lawful procedures and engage in respectful national dialogue.
He reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the legislative process.
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