Zambia's parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment bill with overwhelming support. The legislation, known as Bill 7, introduces significant changes to the electoral system ahead of next year's national vote.
The new law increases the number of parliamentary seats and shifts the country to a mixed-member proportional representation model. It also allocates specific seats for women, youth, and disabled persons while removing term limits for mayors. Justice Minister Princess Kasune defended the bill as a covenant for fairness.
Opposition groups and civil society organizations had strongly opposed the measure, arguing it was rushed to benefit President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND party. The political climate remains tense, illustrated by an ongoing dispute over the burial of former president Edgar Lungu. Hichilema acknowledged the bill tested national unity but urged respect for the parliamentary outcome.
The new law increases the number of parliamentary seats and shifts the country to a mixed-member proportional representation model. It also allocates specific seats for women, youth, and disabled persons while removing term limits for mayors. Justice Minister Princess Kasune defended the bill as a covenant for fairness.
Opposition groups and civil society organizations had strongly opposed the measure, arguing it was rushed to benefit President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND party. The political climate remains tense, illustrated by an ongoing dispute over the burial of former president Edgar Lungu. Hichilema acknowledged the bill tested national unity but urged respect for the parliamentary outcome.
