Bill 10 To Be Restored

The National Assembly has announced that the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill 10 will be restored to the order paper on Thursday October 29th.

Clerk to the National Assembly Cecilia Mbewe said members would be free to debate the bill virtually but that lawmakers would have to physically attend parliament in order to vote on the matter.

“While Members of Parliament are free to debate on the Bill from any suitable location with good internet connectivity, it will be advisable for Members to be physically present at the Main Parliament Buildings to facilitate voting. Members of the public are advised to follow the proceedings on Parliament television/radio or Facebook,” she said.

The bill has proved divisive ever since its introduction in 2019. Championed by Government as a necessary measure to address lacunas in the existing Constitution, it has been virulently opposed by several opposition parties and civil society organisations. 

Among the most contentious and concerning provisions in the Bill are the re-introduction of deputy ministers, the permitting of ministers to stay in office during elections and scope for interference in the appointment of judges. All of which opposition and civil society claim are designed not to benefit the citizenry, but to strengthen the PF’s grip on power ahead of elections next year. 

Opponents, from the UPND and the NDC, to the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), ActionAid and Linda Kasonde’s Chapter One, have objected to the Bill on the basis that it strengthens the existing powers of the executive and President to the detriment of Zambia’s democracy. 

In a recent op-ed for the Mail and Guardian, historian and political commentator Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa accused the PF government of attempting to use Bill 10 to ensure its victory at the polls in next year’s general elections. 

Sishuwa highlighted that the bill allows for a coalition government to be formed in the event that no single party attains more than 50% of the vote. Given that President Lungu won the 2016 presidential election with just 50.3% of the vote, Sishuwa argues that Bill 10 would allow the president to hold on to power for another term even if his lead slips.