MWAMI FM

08/12/2025

A Simple Guide to the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 -( Shamoba )

The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 proposes several important changes to how the country elects leaders, manages Parliament, and conducts elections. The aim is to update and improve various parts of the current constitutional framework.
Below is a straightforward explanation of what the Bill seeks to change.

1. Increase in Constituencies and Members of Parliament

One of the major proposals is to expand the number of elected Members of Parliament.

- Current constituencies: 156
- Proposed constituencies: 211

This change follows the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s recent delimitation exercise, which created more constituencies to reflect population growth and distribution.

2. Introduction of a Mixed Electoral System
The Bill suggests moving away from a purely first-past-the-post system to a mixed electoral model. This new system will combine:

a. First-Past-the-Post (FPTP)
Used for the 211 constituency seats.
The candidate with the highest votes in each constituency wins.

b. Proportional Representation (PR)

Additional MPs will be selected from political party lists. These seats are reserved for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.Each party’s share of PR seats will depend on its total nationwide votes.
The objective is to improve inclusion and ensure marginalized groups are better represented in Parliament.

3. Updated Rules on Nominations and Candidate Requirements

The Bill introduces:
New procedures for candidate nominations.
Guidelines on what happens if a candidate dies, withdraws, or becomes disqualified.
Rules to manage and fill vacant seats in Parliament.

4. Changes to By-Elections

The Bill proposes that no by-elections should be held within 180 days (six months) of a general election.
This is intended to reduce costs and prevent political tensions in the months leading up to elections.

5. Alignment of Parliamentary and Local Government Terms

Members of Parliament and councillors will both serve a single 5-year term that begins at the first official sitting after an election.This creates uniformity across the national and local levels.

6. Ministerial Positions to Fall Vacant Before Elections

The offices of Minister and Provincial Minister will automatically become vacant 90 days before a general election.This measure is likely designed to prevent misuse of state resources during campaign periods.

7. Removal of Term Limits for Mayors and Council Chairpersons

The current two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons will be removed.This means they may seek re-election as many times as they wish.

8. New Composition of Local Councils

Councils will now include Members of Parliament who represent constituencies, making MPs part of local governance structures.

9. Adjustments to High-Level Government Offices

The Bill outlines:
Updated qualifications for the Secretary to the Cabinet.
A provision allowing the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to remain in office after elections until their successors are appointed.This prevents gaps in legal leadership.

10. Clear Timelines for Election Petitions

The Bill provides specific deadlines for how long courts may take to handle and resolve election petitions, ensuring a more efficient electoral justice system.

11. Updated Legal Definitions

Definitions for terms such as child, adult, election, and term will be revised for clarity and consistency throughout the Constitution.

12. Additional Technical Amendments
The Bill also includes various minor changes that support and align with the major amendments.

In Conclusion

This summary outlines the main provisions of Bill No. 7 of 2025.You are encouraged to review the points carefully and share your thoughts—respectfully and objectively—on any areas you believe may raise concerns or require improvement. The intention is not to support or oppose the Bill, but to promote informed national dialogue.

Aaron Shamoba | [email protected]

08/12/2025

Some members of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) have formally requested the association’s Council to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

The petitioners—Gary Davies Chibangula, Mungole Kwalela, and Eric Sakala—say the EGM should address two key issues:
The continued affiliation of LAZ with the OASIS Forum, which they argue has openly engaged in partisan politics and advocated for regime change ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The LAZ President’s handling of the Constitution Amendment process, particularly the issuance of public statements without broad consultation of the membership.
According to the petition, the EGM will be convened pursuant to Section 8(3) of the Law Association of Zambia (General Rules) 1996. The members have further requested that the motion be debated and voted on by poll, in line with Section 8(16) of the same rules.

21/11/2025

China and Zambia Strengthen Ties Through Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

By Masauso Mkwayaya

(ZNBC) Premier of the State Council of China, Li Qiang, says Zambia under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has implemented key reforms that have delivered significant outcomes and stimulated economic growth.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House this morning, Mr. Li said China is happy with Zambia's progress and is keen to further strengthen relations.

He said China remains a steadfast partner and wants to cement political mutual trust, support each other's core interests, and enrich the Comprehensive, Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The Chinese Premier said Zambia is an important country on the African continent, with which China seeks to deepen cooperation in advancing modernisation.

And President Hichilema thanked China for opening its domestic market to Zambian goods.

He said Zambia looks forward to forging more partnerships that will support increased production of goods destined for the Chinese market.

President Hichilema said even as the world undergoes significant transformation, China has remained a stable and consistent friend of Zambia.

He affirmed that China can count on Zambia, regardless of global shifts.

The President said the upgraded relationship to a Comprehensive, Strategic Cooperative Partnership has delivered numerous benefits across key sectors such as mining, energy, and agriculture.

President Hichilema further thanked China for supporting the revitalisation of the TAZARA Railway, which he described as an important economic corridor.

He said TAZARA will enhance trade and investment and open up the region, supporting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area - AfCFTA.

21/11/2025

GOVERNMENT TO REGISTER ONLINE MEDIA PLATFORMS LIKE TRADITIONAL BROADCASTERS

PERMANENT Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu has affirmed that the new Independent Broadcasting Authority Bill will require online media platforms to register, just like traditional broadcasters.

This move aims to regulate the digital space and address ongoing legal disputes with unregistered online outlets, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to mainstream media infrastructure.

Dr. Habeenzu has clarified that these litigation cases are a regulatory matter, not a punitive one.

He has assured that the Bill's strict measures were drafted with consideration for these challenges, noting that once platforms are licensed through accessible IBA stations, the focus will shift to operational oversight.

He has expressed confidence that the enacted law will curb social media abuse and create a safer online environment for all users.

M&D

17/11/2025

UPND Aspiring Councillor Dawson Beleme Pledges Comprehensive Rehabilitation of NRDC Road Drainage System and Calls for Urgent Sewer Repairs in Kalikiliki Ward 35

UPND aspiring Ward 35 Councillor for Kalikiliki, Mr. Dawson Beleme, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving critical public infrastructure within the community, with a particular focus on addressing the long-standing drainage and sanitation challenges affecting the NRDC road area.

During an engagement with residents, Mr. Beleme expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the drainage network along the NRDC road, describing it as a persistent challenge that has continued to inconvenience motorists, threaten property, and compromise public health. He noted that each rainy season exposes the severity of the problem, often resulting in flooding, blocked pathways, and weakened road surfaces.

“As a community, we cannot continue to endure the same problem year after year,” Mr. Beleme stated. “The NRDC road drainage system has become a major source of worry for residents. If elected, I am prioritizing a complete overhaul of the drainage infrastructure to ensure efficient water flow, improved road durability, and safer movement for the people of Kalikiliki.”

In addition to his pledge on drainage rehabilitation, Mr. Beleme called on the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) to urgently attend to the leaking and damaged sewer pipes in the ward. He emphasized that proper sewer maintenance is not only the responsibility of the utility provider but is also crucial for preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, which have historically affected Lusaka during rainy periods.

“Our community deserves a sanitary and dignified living environment,” he remarked. “Timely repair of sewer lines is essential in safeguarding the health of our residents. We must work collaboratively to ensure that Kalikiliki Ward is protected from preventable diseases. I urge LWSC to prioritize this matter for the safety and well-being of our people.”

Mr. Beleme further reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with relevant authorities, community leaders, and residents to ensure that drainage and sanitation systems in the ward are not only repaired but maintained consistently.

He concluded with a message of hope, stating that improved infrastructure and public health systems are fundamental to uplifting the living standards of every resident in Kalikiliki Ward 35.

“Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient community,” he said.

17/11/2025

THEY HAVE ABANDONED ME - WHY ME LAMENTS

"They used me and I am now all alone here. Bena they are enjoying with their children. I have been abandoned," laments master of insults Why Me.

10/11/2025

Israeli President Herzog on State Visit to Zambia

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrived in Zambia for an official visit. He landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 10:12 hours and was welcomed by President Hakainde Hichilema.

During his stay, the two leaders will meet at State House to advance the 2023 General Framework Agreement of Cooperation. Talks will cover key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, technology, trade, and investment.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has arrived in Zambia for an official visit. He landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 10:12 hours and was welcomed by President Hakainde Hichilema.

08/11/2025

WESTERN PROVINCE ACCELERATES AQUACULTURE GROWTH WITH K10.8 MILLION SENANGA PROJECT
SENANGA, 7th November 2025
Western Province has recorded another milestone in its drive toward economic transformation following the commissioning of the K10.8 million Senanga Aquaculture Expansion Project by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Eng. Elias Mubanga, MP.

https://mwamifm.com/western-province-accelerates-aquaculture-growth-with-k10-8-million-senanga-project-6.html

MWAMI FM

During the launch, 26 floating fish cages were officially commissioned on the Zambezi River, and over 42,000 fish fingerlings were stocked, marking the first production cycle under the project.

08/11/2025

A Lusaka man who spent three years behind bars for failing to support a child has discovered after his release that he is not the biological father, sparking outrage and calls for reform in Zambia’s child support and paternity verification systems.

According to sources close to the case, the man—whose identity is being withheld to protect his privacy—was convicted three years ago under Zambia’s child maintenance laws after being accused of neglecting his parental responsibilities. The court had ruled in favor of the mother’s claim, ordering him to provide financial support. When he failed to meet the payments, he was sentenced to prison.

read more at https://mwamifm.com/lusaka-man-wrongly-imprisoned-for-child-support-discovers-he-s-not-the-father-5.html

A Lusaka man spent 3 years in prison for not supporting his son,after the sentence he discovered that his not the father

07/11/2025

MMD REBRANDS AS NEW NATIONAL PARTY, ENDORSES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA FOR 2026 ELECTIONS
Lusaka, Zambia — The Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), has officially rebranded to the New National Party (NNP) following an extraordinary national convention held at NASDEC in Lusaka.
Announcing the development, party President Dr. Nevers Mumba said the decision to change the party’s name marks a new chapter in its political journey and reflects the party’s renewed commitment to national unity and progress.

Dr. Mumba also revealed that he will not stand as president of the New National Party, stating that he has chosen instead to support President Hakainde Hichilema in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

07/11/2025

Military Chiefs from across the Great Lakes Region have convened today, 06 November 2025, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for a high-level summit aimed at evaluating the security and humanitarian situation among member states, with particular emphasis on Eastern DRC, Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR).

The gathering, attended by Defence officials, diplomats and heads of regional mechanisms, has voiced strong concern over the escalating violence that continues to destabilise parts of the Great Lakes Region.

07/11/2025

Hansi Flick has been nominated for FIFA 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓 Coach of the Year.

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