Zambia parliament passes disputed bill to change election laws

LUSAKA - Zambia's parliament overwhelmingly passed Monday a bill to modify constitutional provisions related to elections that the opposition claims will bolster President Hakainde Hichilema at next year's polls.

Opposition politicians, civil society, and church groups had lobbied against Bill 7, saying it was rushed through parliament and will promote Hichilema and his UPND party at the August 2026 vote.

The bill amends 13 articles in the constitution of the copper-rich southern African nation, notably increasing the number of parliamentary seats from 156 to 226; reserving 35 seats for women, youth and disabled people; and ending a limit of two five-year terms for mayors.

"This is a covenant with the Zambian people to promote fairness," Justice Minister Princess Kasune said after the 131-2 vote, which means the bill now only needs Hichilema's signature to be enacted.

Lawmaker Francis Kapyanga from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) said he would not "legitimise an illegality".

Political tensions in the nation of 22 million people have been illustrated by a standoff over the burial of Hichilema's PF predecessor Edgar Lungu, who died in hospital in neighbouring South Africa in June.

Lungu's family has refused to repatriate his body for burial because Hichilema wanted to preside over the funeral.

Reacting to the passing of Bill 7, Lungu family spokesman and PF presidential hopeful Makebi Zulu said on social media, "The struggle for democracy and respect for the rule of law begins in earnest today."

Hichilema -- who will be standing for the second of a constitutionally limited two five-year terms -- admitted the bill had "tested" national unity but said the outcome of the parliament's vote must be respected.