By VANESSA MAGAYA
The Archdiocese of Lusaka has expressed strong opposition to the government’s renewed push for Bill 7, describing the move as illegitimate, self-serving, and detrimental to Zambia’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement issued by IHD Caritas Lusaka, the Church cited Proverbs 31:8-9, urging citizens to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” and defend justice for the poor and helpless.
The Archdiocese said it is “deeply concerned and unequivocally opposed” to the government’s continued pursuit of constitutional amendments through the newly constituted Technical Committee on drafting amendments to the constitution.
It noted that both the Zambian people and the Constitutional Court have previously declared that the ongoing constitutional review process lacks legal foundation,despite this, the Church said, government has chosen to move forward with a process “widely perceived as illegitimate and self-serving.”
The Archdiocese warned that the process does not reflect the collective will of the people but rather appears to be driven by narrow political interests, with state institutions “held captive by an individual intent on advancing personal ambitions at the expense of national integrity.”
The Archdiocese further cautioned members of the Mushabati-led Technical Committee to reconsider their involvement, warning that “history has not been kind to those who betray the public trust for personal or political gain.”
It accused the current administration of undermining institutional independence and politicizing governance structures, questioning the intent and timing of the amendment process — less than seven months before the 2026 general elections.
“There is no urgent need to amend the current Constitution,” the statement reads.
“What is urgently needed is a government that respects the rule of law, upholds transparency, and embraces accountability.”
The Church criticized the November 13, 2025 deadline for submissions to the technical committee, calling the timeframe “grossly inadequate” for meaningful national consultation.
The Church warned that rushing the process risks alienating citizens and undermining the legitimacy of any proposed constitutional changes.
