Nkana Independent Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has warned Zambians to pay close attention to a series of Bills currently before Parliament, describing them as far-reaching and potentially controversial measures being rushed through ahead of the dissolution of the House.
Mpundu, who also heads the Ichabaiche Movement under the Tonse Alliance, says government is pushing key legislative changes within a narrow window of about two weeks remaining before Parliament adjourns for the 2026 general elections.
Among the measures he highlighted is a proposed law around expanded use of CCTV systems and live streaming capabilities, which he says could significantly increase state surveillance and monitoring of public spaces and institutions. While government has not fully detailed the operational scope publicly, the move is seen as part of a broader push towards digital monitoring infrastructure.
Mpundu also cited proposals that could affect parliamentary immunity for lawmakers, warning that such changes may weaken the independence of legislators and expose them to increased executive pressure.
He further alleged that some of the Bills seek to enhance executive influence over the legislature, raising concerns about the balance of power between the arms of government.
“Zambians must not be distracted. While attention is focused elsewhere, critical laws are being passed that will affect governance for years to come,” Mpundu said in a recorded address.
The lawmaker warned that legislation enacted in haste could have unintended consequences, including being used against those currently in power in future political cycles.
“These laws will not only affect the opposition. One day they will be applied to those making them today,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when national attention has largely been focused on the ongoing impasse surrounding the remains of former President Edgar Lungu, a situation that has dominated public discourse.
Political observers note that it is not uncommon for governments to push through pending legislation before dissolution of Parliament, but caution that transparency and public scrutiny remain critical, especially for laws with long-term implications on governance, civil liberties, and institutional checks and balances.
Government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to Mpundu’s claims, but has previously defended its legislative agenda as necessary for modernising systems and strengthening state institutions.