THE Constitution Amendment Bill 7 of 2025 says parliament will only be dissolved one day before the next general election, a shift from the current constitutional provision that requires dissolution 90 days before elections.
According to the Bill, Article 81(3) of the Constitution will be replaced.
“Parliament shall stand dissolved a day preceding the date of the next general election,” read Bill No. 7 of 2025, Article 81(3)).
This marks a significant departure from what the current Constitution provides. As it stands, Article 81(3) of the Constitution of Zambia states that “Parliament shall stand dissolved ninety days before the holding of the next general election.”
If enacted, the amendment would allow Parliament to continue until just one day before the election, potentially enabling MPs to retain their official status much closer to election day.
However, the Bill also includes a restriction.
Even though Parliament would still be active on paper, it cannot sit or conduct any business in the last 90 days before the election.
“Parliament shall not sit or conduct any business ninety days before the holding of the next general election,” states Bill 7 of 2025, Article 81(4).
This means MPs would remain in office longer, but the National Assembly would essentially be inactive during the last three months of the term.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 11, 2025
