President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has called Parliament back into session after dissolving it on July 23, 2025. The National Assembly will reconvene on August 5, 2025, under constitutional provisions that permit such action during emergencies. Section 67(4) of the Constitution grants the President authority to recall lawmakers when constitutional crises emerge between dissolution and elections. The Civil Society Electoral Integrity Forum had previously contacted Chakwera regarding this matter. More than 50,000 registered voters face potential disenfranchisement under current legal restrictions.
The urgent session addresses voting rights violations affecting deployed workers on election day. Police officers, medical staff, and electoral personnel cannot vote in areas where they work under existing law. Parliament must consider the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill during this special session. Constitutional voting rights under section 40(3) require immediate legislative protection. The September 16, 2025 general elections necessitate swift legal amendments to ensure universal suffrage.
The urgent session addresses voting rights violations affecting deployed workers on election day. Police officers, medical staff, and electoral personnel cannot vote in areas where they work under existing law. Parliament must consider the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill during this special session. Constitutional voting rights under section 40(3) require immediate legislative protection. The September 16, 2025 general elections necessitate swift legal amendments to ensure universal suffrage.
