Bill 7 suspension meant to hoodwink Zambia, warns Kalaba

CONSTITUTIONAL lawyer John Sangwa has made a passionate appeal to Zambians to reject Constitutional (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, describing it as a betrayal of democratic principles and a threat to constitutional governance.
Addressing a packed public forum at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Sangwa declared the Bill a calculated political maneuver designed to weaken the Constitution, silence voters, and consolidate power under the guise of reform.
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“We welcome the deferral, but Zambians should not be hoodwinked,” Mr Kalaba said. “This is not the first time President Hichilema has done this. Remember what happened with the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill – it was withdrawn after a backlash but returned to Parliament unchanged. That’s a precedent.”
Mr Kalaba said Bill 7, if passed, would have far-reaching consequences on the country’s democratic fabric and warned that Government may still attempt to sneak it back under the radar.
“Bill 7 is a threat to our democracy. The people have spoken loudly, and they have rejected it. But knowing this administration’s record, there’s every reason to believe they will bring it back through the back door,” he said.
He also said the deferment should not be mistaken for Government retreating on principle but rather retreating tactically in the face of overwhelming opposition.