Governance expert, Wesley Miyanda, has expressed concern over a ruling by Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti, which suggests that no external arm of government, including the judiciary, has the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of Parliament, indicating that the deferred Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, could be brought back to the house if necessary despite the courts ruling on the matter.
On Tuesday, Ms. Mutti informed Parliament that the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 can be reintroduced if the sponsor of the bill, Minister of Justice Princess Kasune, chooses to do so following the bill’s earlier deferment for further consultations.
But speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Miyanda described the Speaker’s ruling as undemocratic, arguing that it undermines the guidance given by both the President and the Constitutional Court regarding the deferment of the amendment process.
“Zambians are the true custodians of the Constitution and Ms. Mutti cannot simply override a ruling made by the Constitutional Court,” said Mr. Miyanda.
He stressed the importance of respecting and upholding the court’s guidance to ensure the deferment achieves its intended purpose, adding that the Constitution is not the property of a single individual or institution, but belongs to every Zambian.
Mr. Miyanda further urged the UPND government to avoid rushing the constitution amendment process, warning that doing so could fuel public speculation.
By Christabel Kamunu.
