Halt the flawed bill 7 – Tonse Alliance

Nakachinda

The biggest opposition grouping, Tonse Alliance has demanded government to halt the process of amending Bill 7.

In a press statement issued by Raphael Mangani Nakachinda, Secretary General of the Tonse- PF Alliance, the opposition alliance condemned the bill, describing the government’s approach as “flawed, undemocratic, and politically expedient.”

The statement criticizes the current administration for pursuing constitutional reform through a top-down process, devoid of genuine public engagement. Civil society groups have also raised alarms over the absence of a transparent and inclusive roadmap. The alliance argues that the absence of meaningful dialogue undermines the participatory nature essential to legitimate constitutional reform.

The alliance slammed the proposal to allocate only three seats to persons with disabilities in the expanded National Assembly, calling it “superficial and tokenistic.” It also expressed skepticism over the proposed reserved seats for women and youth, arguing that without a clear implementation framework, these measures amount to political window dressing rather than genuine inclusivity.

Tonse further likened the current bill to the widely opposed Bill 10, suggesting it reintroduces previously rejected clauses through the backdoor.

Quoting the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the alliance underscored the need for comprehensive, well-consulted, and transparent constitutional amendments, rather than politically motivated ones.

The Tonse-PF’s alternative vision, positioning itself as a responsible alternative government, the Tonse-PF Alliance outlined its vision for genuine constitutional reform.

The proposed approach includes broad-based stakeholder consultation, involving civil society, political parties, traditional leaders, and the general public. Meaningful representation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities not symbolic gestures. A holistic approach addressing governance, judicial independence, decentralization, and checks and balances.

Transparency and accountability, with a clear timeline and open communication to ensure citizen participation throughout the process.

In a call to action the alliance concluded with a firm call on the government to withdraw the bill and restart the constitutional reform process in a manner that respects the voice and will of the people.

“We urge the government to halt this flawed process and instead initiate a genuine, inclusive, and comprehensive constitutional reform that truly reflects the aspirations of the Zambian people,” the statement reads.

This latest declaration by the Tonse/ PF Alliance adds to the growing opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, signaling deepening political divisions over the future of Zambia’s democratic framework.