Understanding the Role of the Technical Committee’s Report and the Parliamentary Process on Bill No. 7

By Hon. Sunday Chanda – MP

Kanchibiya Constituency

As national discussions continue on the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, it is important for the public to clearly understand how the current process works and how various documents, especially the Technical Committee’s Report, fit into the constitutional amendment framework.

One of my Mbuyas from Mugubudu lamented, “Now that you have seen the Technical Committee Report, tell us how you will vote?”

Allow me to explain the process as it will unfold, because if I simply answered that question today, I would be putting the cart, the oxen, and even the plough all in front of each other, in that order!

Here is where we are in the journey:

1. The Technical Committee’s Report Is Not a Replacement for Bill No. 7

The Report produced by the Technical Committee, chaired by Justice Christopher Mushabati, has not been Gazetted, nor is it intended to be Gazetted. It does not replace Bill No. 7 and does not become a new Bill.

Its purpose is purely technical and advisory, providing analysis and recommendations based on over 11,864 public submissions reportedly received during the committee’s work.

2. The Report Serves as Input to the Parliamentary Select Committee

The Technical Committee will appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution as a witness.

Its Report and oral testimony will form part of the evidence the Select Committee considers as it reviews Bill No. 7.

This stage is crucial because Parliament must hear from experts, stakeholders, and citizens before making final decisions.

3. Bill No. 7 Remains the Official Document Before Parliament

Bill No. 7 has already been duly published and Gazetted, in line with legal requirements.

This means:

(a) It is the only formal Bill under consideration.
(b) It is the Bill that will return to the House for debate.
(c) Any amendments will be made to this Bill, not to the Technical Committee’s Report.

Therefore, the public should continue to refer to Bill No. 7 as the authoritative document.

4. The Key Document for Parliamentary Decision-Making Is the Select Committee Report

After receiving all submissions and expert testimony, the Select Committee will prepare the Select Committee Report.

This Report is what will be tabled before Parliament during the Committee Stage.

Its purpose is to:

(a) Summarise stakeholder views
(b) Provide recommendations
(c) Guide MPs on how to vote or what amendments to consider

This makes the Select Committee Report a central document in the legislative process.

5. Why the Public Should Read Both Documents

Understanding both Bill No. 7 and the Technical Committee’s Report helps citizens:

(a) Engage in informed debate
(b) Avoid misinformation
(c) Follow parliamentary proceedings with greater clarity

An informed citizenry strengthens our democracy and ensures that constitutional amendments reflect the collective will of the people.

Conclusion

The constitutional amendment process is deliberate, evidence-driven, and transparent.

The Technical Committee’s Report is a valuable reference, but legislative authority rests with Parliament, operating through the established procedures of publication, scrutiny, and debate.

Citizens are encouraged to continue reading, analysing, and discussing these documents as Zambia refines her governance framework.

I will continue to share critical information as it comes along to avail fellow citizens make an informed decision on this matter.

Yours Truly,

Hon Sunday Chanda – MP
Kanchibiya Constituency.