Top opposition leaders join Oasis Forum in opposing proposed amendments, warning they threaten democracy and accountability, and demand an inclusive constitutional process
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia, 4th December 2025 — Opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and the Oasis Forum have united to challenge Bill 7, raising serious concerns that the proposed constitutional amendments, if passed, could undermine Zambia’s democratic governance and weaken accountability. The coalition is demanding a transparent, inclusive, and people-driven constitutional process.
Speaking at a solidarity meeting, United Liberal Party (ULP) President Sakwiba Sikota called on political leaders and civil society actors to remain vigilant in defending the Constitution.
“The message to the committee is clear: those who make the wrong decisions will face the scrutiny of the people, civil society, and the church. The winning side is always with the people,” Sikota said, warning that rushed constitutional changes could threaten the independence of government institutions.
Oasis Forum Chairperson Beatrice Katebe emphasized that their fight is not partisan but focused on the integrity of the constitutional process.
“We are not dwelling on individual clauses but on the process, which is flawed. Bill 7 threatens the independence of the three arms of government. If the Executive dominates the Legislature and Judiciary, Zambians lose the protection of a fair and independent governance system,” Katebe said.
Other political leaders echoed similar concerns. New Heritage Party (NHP) President Chishala Kateka stressed that public participation must guide constitutional reforms.
“No one who fights the Zambian people and their will actually wins. This is about building the nation properly,” Kateka said.
United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Trevor Mwamba framed the opposition to Bill 7 in moral and ethical terms, highlighting justice, truth, and accountability.
“Opposing Bill 7 is not about personalities. It is about principle and standing for what is right,” Mwamba said.
The People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) President Andyford Banda urged that constitutional reforms be people-driven rather than dictated by the interests of a few.
“The process of recreating the Constitution has been rushed and manipulated. We stand in solidarity with those defending the democratic order,” Banda said.
Leaders from Zambia We Want and Citizens First also stressed the need for transparency and due process.
Kapembwa Simbao, Zambia We Want President, accused the government of using delimitation as a pretext to push Bill 7, while Mwaba Kasese of Citizens First criticized the lack of public consultation.
Patriotic Front President Given Lubinda defended the process, noting that it involved extensive submissions over 45 days of parliamentary sittings.
“We have engaged in a process guided by law. We recognize the concerns, but the work done over years cannot be dismissed,” Lubinda said, while also affirming support for public participation.
The meeting concluded with a decision that opposition leaders would deliver a letter from the Oasis Forum to Members of Parliament, urging them not to support Bill 7 if it reaches Parliament—a move previously blocked when the letter was submitted directly to Parliament.
The coalition made it clear that the fight over Bill 7 will continue until a constitutional process that is inclusive, transparent, and people-driven is secured, warning that Zambians will not accept rushed amendments that compromise democracy.
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