THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2019
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THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (AMENDMENT)
BILL, 2019
MEMORANDUM
The object of this Bill is to amend the Constitution of Zambia so as to—
(a) revise the Preamble in order to reaffirm the Christian character of Zambia;
(b) revise the principles and values of the Constitution;
(c) revise the electoral system for elections to the NationalAssembly;
(d) revise the period for dissolution of the National Assembly;
(e) revise the period of hearing and determination of apresidential election petition;
(f) revise the manner of election of mayor and councilchairperson;
(g) establish the office of deputy minister;
(h) revise the composition of the Cabinet;
(i) revise the provisions relating to the establishment ofcommissions;
(j) revise the provisions relating to the payment of pensionbenefits and retention on the payroll;
(k) provide for the membership of Members of Parliament incouncils;
(l) establish the Drug Enforcement Commission as the Anti-Drugs, Economic and Financial Crimes Agency and redefine its function as a national security service;
(m) revise the functions of the Public Protector;
(n) revise the functions of the Bank of Zambia;
(o) revise the functions of the Auditor-General; and
(p) provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, theforegoing.
L. KALALUKA,
Attorney-General
N.A.B. 10, 2019 21st June, 2019
A BILL
ENTITLED
5
10 ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia
1. This Act may be cited as the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act, 2019, and shall be read as one with the Constitution of Zambia, in this Act referred to as the Constitution.
2. The Preamble is amended by the deletion of the words “multi-religious” and the substitution therefor of the word “Christian”.
3. Article 1 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of clause (5) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(5) Subject to Article 28, a matter relating to this Constitution shall be heard and determined by the
Constitutional Court.
4. Article 4 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of Enactment
Short title
Cap. 1
Amendment
of preamble
Amendment
of Article 1
Amendment
of Article 4
Amendment
of Article 8
Amendment of Article 10
Clause (3) and the substitution therefor of the following:
15 (3) The Republic is a Christian, unitary, indivisible, multiethnic, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-party democratic State.;
5. Article 8 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of paragraph (a) and the substitution therefor of the following 20 paragraph:
(a) Christian morality and ethics;.
6. Article 10 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of
An Act to amend the Constitution of Zambia.
Clause (4) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(4) Subject to Article 16, the Government shall not 25 compulsorily acquire an investment.;
N.A.B. 11, 2019
7. Article 38 of the Constitution is amended by the insertion
of Article 38 of the words “as prescribed” immediately after the word “adoption”.
Amendment 8. Article 46 of the Constitution is amended by the insertion of
of Article 46 the words “as prescribed” immediately after the word “ballot”.
Amendment 9. Article 47 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion 5
of Article 47 of clause (2) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(2) Elections to the National Assembly shall be conducted
under a mixed member electoral system, as prescribed.
Repeal and 10. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 51
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following: 10
of Article 51
51. A person is eligible for election as an independent
candidate for a National Assembly seat if the person meets
the qualifications specified in Article 70 for election as a
Member of Parliament.
Amendment 11. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 52. 15
of Article 52
Repeal and 12. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 60
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article 60
Political 60. (1) A political party shall be established as prescribed.
parties
(2) A political party shall—
(a) promote the values and principles specified in this 20
Constitution;
(b) have a national character;
(c) promote and uphold national unity;
(d) promote and practice democracy through regular,
free and fair elections within the party; and 25
(e) subscribe to and observe the code of conduct for
political parties, as prescribed.
(3) A political party shall not—
(a) be founded on a religious, linguistic, racial, ethnic,
tribal, gender, sectoral or provincial basis or engage 30
in propaganda based on any of these factors;
(b) engage in or encourage violence or intimidate its
members, supporters, opponents or other persons;
(c) engage in corrupt practices; and
(d) except as prescribed, use public resources to promote 35
its interest or that of its members.
13. Article 63 (2) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of paragraphs (d) and (e).
14. Article 67 of the Constitution is amended—
(a) in clause (3), by the deletion of the words “within fourteen
5 days of the publication of the statutory instrument in the Gazette”; and
(b) by the deletion of clauses (4), (5) and (6).
15. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 68 and the substitution therefor of the following:
10 68. Subject to Article 47, the election, nomination, qualification and vacation of office of a Member of Parliament shall be as prescribed.
16. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Articles 69, 70, 71 and 72.
15 17. Article 73 of the Constitution is amended in clause (2), by the insertion of the words “and determined” between the words “heard” and “within”.
18. Article 74 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of clause (1), and the substitution therefor of the following:
20 (1) The Vice-President shall be the Leader of
Government Business in the National Assembly.
19. Article 75 of the Constitution is amended—
(a) in clause (1), by the deletion of the word “sitting” and the substitution therefor of the word “meeting”;
25 (b) in clause (2), by the deletion of the word “sittings” and the substitution therefor of the word “meetings”;
(c) by the deletion of clause (3) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(3) Notwithstanding clause (2), the President, or two-
30 thirds of the Members of Parliament, may, in writing, request the Speaker to summon a meeting of the National Assembly.; and
(d) in the marginal note, by the deletion of the word “sittings” and the substitution therefor of the word “meetings”.
Amendment of Article 63
Amendment of Article 67
Repeal and replacement of Article 68
Election, nomination, qualification and vacation of office of a
Member of
Parliament
Repeal of
Articles 69,
70, 71 and
72
Amendment of Article 73
Amendment of Article 74
Amendment of Article 75
20. Article 78 of the Constitution is amended—
of Article 78
(a) in clause (2), by the deletion of paragraph (b) and the
substitution therefor of the following:
(b) in the case of a tie, another vote shall be taken.
(b) by the insertion of the following new clause immediately 5
after clause (2):
(3) If at the conclusion of a second vote, there is a tie, a
third vote shall be taken, and in the event of a tie, the question
shall be lost.
Amendment 21. Article 80 (2) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion 10
of Article 80
of the word “sitting” and the substitution therefor of the word
“meeting”.
Repeal and 22. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 81
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article 81
Term and 81. (1) The term of Parliament shall be five years 15
Prorogation
commencing from the date that the Members of Parliament
of
Parliament are sworn into office after a general election and ending on
the date of the next general election.
(2) The National Assembly may, when the Republic is at
war, by resolution supported by a simple majority vote of the 20
Members of Parliament, extend the term of Parliament for
not more than twelve months at a time.
(3) Subject to clauses (4), (5) and (6), the President may
dissolve Parliament if the Executive cannot effectively govern
the Republic due to the failure of the National Assembly to 25
objectively and reasonably carry out its legislative function.
(4) Where the President intends to dissolve Parliament
in accordance with clause (3), the President shall inform the
public and refer the matter, within seven days, to the
Constitutional Court. 30
(5) The Constitutional Court shall hear and determine
the matter, referred to it in accordance with clause (4), within
seven days of receipt of the matter.
(6) The Constitutional Court shall, where it decides that
the situation in clause (3) exists, inform the President and the 35
President shall dissolve Parliament.
(7) Where Parliament is dissolved under clause (3), the President shall, until the President-elect assumes office, continue to perform the executive functions, in accordance with Article 104.
5 (8) Where Parliament is dissolved under clause (3), general elections shall be held within ninety days of the dissolution.
(9) The President may, due to a state of war, state of public emergency or threatened state of public emergency,
10 after the dissolution of Parliament and before the holding of general elections, recall the National Assembly that was dissolved.
15
20
25 23. Article 83 of the Constitution is amended—
(a) in clause (1), by the deletion of paragraph (b) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(b) been legally disqualified from performing thefunctions of the Office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker;
(b) clause (5), by the deletion of paragraph (a) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(a) are not substantiated, the National Assembly shall, reinstate the Speaker or Deputy Speaker; or; and
(c) in the marginal note, by the insertion of the words “orDeputy Speaker” after the word “Speaker.”
24. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 84 Amendment of Article 83
Repeal and replacement of Article 84
Clerk of
National
Assembly
Amendment of Article 88
and the substitution therefor of the following:
30 84. (1) There shall be a Clerk of the National Assembly who shall be appointed as prescribed.
25. Article 88 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
(10) The President may, in consultation with the Speaker, prorogue Parliament by proclamation. of clause (1) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(1) A citizen may petition the National Assembly to—
40 (a) initiate the enactment, amendment or repeal of legislation; or
(b) consider any other matter that falls within the jurisdiction of the National Assembly.
26. Article 92(2) of the Constitution is amended—
of Article 92 (a) in paragraphs (a) and (b), by the deletion of the word
“consuls,” and the substitution therefor of the words
“consuls general”; and
(b) by the deletion of paragraph (c) and the substitution therefor
of the following:
(c) negotiate and sign international agreements and
treaties and, ratify or accede to, or withdraw
from, international agreements and treaties;
Repeal and 27. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 94 10
replacement
and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article 94
Approval of 94. (1) Where in this Constitution, an appointment to an
appointment
office or the taking of a measure by the President is subject
and
measures by to approval by the National Assembly, the National Assembly
National
Assembly shall, in the sitting next after receipt of the request for approval, 15
give its approval within thirty days of the commencement of
the sitting.
(2) Where the National Assembly does not give its
approval within the period specified in clause (1), the President
shall propose another measure or appoint another person to 20
that office, and submit that measure or appointment for
approval by the National Assembly.
(3) Where the National Assembly refuses or delays the
approval for the second time, the President shall propose
another measure or appoint another person to that office and 25
shall submit that measure or appointment for approval by the
National Assembly.
(4) Where the National Assembly refuses or delays the
approval of the measure or appointment for the third time,
that measure or appointment shall take effect. 30
Amendment 28. Article 95(1) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article 95 of the words “twenty-one” and the substitution therefor of the word
“thirty”.
Amendment 29. Article 100(2) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article 35
of paragraph (f) and the substitution therefor of the following:
100
(f) is legally disqualified from performing the executive
functions.
30. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Articles 101, 102, 103 and 104 and the substitution therefor of the following:
101. (1) A President shall be elected by registered voters in accordance with Article 47(1) and this Article. Repeal and replacement of Articles 101, 102,
103 and 104
Election of
President
5 (2) The Returning Officer shall declare the presidential candidate who receives more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast during the election as President-elect.
(3) If at the initial ballot, a presidential candidate does not receive more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast,
10 the candidate with the highest number of vote cast shall, within fourteen days of the declaration by the Returning Officer of the presidential election results negotiate and form a coalition government with a presidential candidate that participated in the initial ballot, except that the combined votes of that
15 presidential candidate and the preferred presidential candidate forming the coalition government meet the threshold of more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast.
(4) Where the candidate with the highest number of votes fails to form a coalition government within the period specified
20 in clause (3), a second ballot shall be held within thirty-seven days of the initial ballot, where the only candidates shall be the presidential candidates who obtained—
(a) the highest and second highest number of valid votes cast in the initial ballot; or
25 (b) an equal number of the valid votes cast in the initial ballot, being the highest votes amongst the presidential candidates that stood for election to the office of President.
(5) The Returning Officer shall declare as President-
30 elect—
(a) the presidential candidate who obtains more thanfifty percent of the valid votes cast;
(b) in the event of the formation of a coalition, thepresidential candidate who obtains the highest
40 number of valid votes cast; and
(c) in the case of a second ballot, the presidential candidate who obtained the majority of the valid votes cast in the second ballot.
(6) A losing candidate may petition a presidential election in accordance with Article 103.
Disqualification for run-off
Election petition 102. (1) A presidential candidate shall not take part in the second ballot, if that presidential candidate— (a) resigns for a reason other than ill- health;
(b) becomes disqualified as specified in Article 100;
(c) is disqualified by a decision of the Constitutional Courtin accordance with Article 103;
(2) Where a presidential candidate does not take part in a second ballot because of a reason specified in clause (1), a 10 candidate who scored the third highest number of valid votes cast in the initial ballot, shall be a presidential candidate in the second ballot, together with the remaining presidential candidate that had initially qualified for the second ballot.
(3) If a presidential candidate— 15
(a) dies; or
(b) resigns due to ill health; before the taking of a second ballot, the running mate to that presidential candidate in the initial ballot shall assume the place
of that presidential candidate. 20
(4) The presidential candidate who assumes the place of the previous presidential candidate in accordance with clause (2) shall appoint a running mate.
(5) Where both presidential candidates—
(a) resign; 25
(b) become disqualified under Article 100;
(c) become disqualified by a decision of the Constitutional
Court under Article 103; or (d) die;
before the taking of the second ballot, fresh nominations shall be 30 filed with the Electoral Commission, as prescribed.
103. (1) A losing candidate may, within seven days of the declaration made under Article 101(2) and (5), petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of a presidential candidate who took part in the initial ballot on the ground 35 that—
(a) the person was not validly elected; or
(b) a provision of this Constitution or other written lawrelating to presidential elections was not complied
with. 40
(2) The Constitutional Court shall hear and determine an election petition filed in accordance with clause (1) within thirty days of the filing of the petition.
(3) The Constitutional Court may, after hearing an 5 election petition—
(a) declare the election of the President-elect valid;
(b) nullify the election of the President-elect;
(c) disqualify the President-elect from being a candidatein the second ballot; or
10 (d) grant any other relief the court considers just.
(4) A decision of the Constitutional Court made in accordance with clause (3) is final.
(5) A losing candidate may, within seven days of the declaration of President-elect, by the Returning Officer
15 following the second ballot, petition the Constitutional Court to nullify the election of the President-elect on the ground that—
(a) the person was not validly elected; or
(b) a provision of this Constitution or other written law
20 relating to presidential elections was not complied with.
(6) The Constitutional Court shall hear and determine an election petition relating to the President-elect within thirty days of the filing of the petition.
25 (7) Where the election of the President-elect and Vice-
President is nullified by the Constitutional Court, a presidential election shall be held within sixty days from the date of the nullification.
30 104. (1) The President-elect shall be sworn into office and assume office in accordance with Article 105. Transition period before assuming officer
(2) Subject to clauses (3) and (4), where the Returning Officer declares a presidential candidate as President-elect, the incumbent shall continue to perform the executive functions until the President-elect assumes office, except the power
35 to—
(a) make an appointment; or
(b) dissolve the National Assembly.
(3) Subject to Article 105, and except where the
incumbent is the President-elect, the incumbent President
shall, on the assumption of office by the President-elect, begin
and complete the procedural and administrative handing over
of the executive functions, to the President-elect, within
fourteen days from the day the President-elect assumes office.
Amendment 31. Article 107 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article
107 of the words “physical or mental” wherever the words appear.
Amendment 32. Article 108 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article 10
of—
108
(a) clause (8)(a) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(a) is not substantiated, the National Assembly shall
not take further proceedings in respect of the
allegation; or; and
(b) by the deletion of clause (9) and the substitution 15
therefor of the following:
(9) The President shall, on the passing of the
resolution in accordance with—
(a) clause (8)(a), resume to perform the
executive functions; or 20
(b) clause (8)(b), cease to hold office and be
amenable to prosecution without the
need to lift the immunity under Article
98.
Amendment 33. Article 111 of the Constitution is amended— 25
of Article
111 (a) by the deletion of clauses (3) and (6); and
(b) by the renumbering of clauses (4) and (5) as clauses (3)
and (4), respectively.
Repeal and 34. The Constitution is amended by the deletion of the sub-
replacement heading immediately after Article 112 and the substitution therefor 30
subheading
of the following:
“Cabinet, Minister, Provincial Minister and Deputy Minister”.
Amendment 35. Article 113 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article of paragraph (d) and the substitution therefor of the following:
113
(d) Provincial Ministers; and 35
(e) the Attorney-General and the Chief Whip, as ex-officio
members.
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36. Article 114 (1) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of paragraphs (d) and (e) and the substitution therefor of the following: Amendment
of Article
114
Amendment
of Article
116
Insertion of
Article
117A
Deputy
Minister
Amendment
of Article 119
Amendment
of Article
120
5
10
15
20 (d) accede or ratify or withdraw from international agreements and treaties; and (e) approve—
(i) loans to be contracted by the state; and
(ii) guarantees on loans contracted by Stateinstitutions;.
37. Article 116 (3) of the Constitution is amended—
(a) by the deletion of paragraph (f) and the substitution thereforof the following:
(f) the Minister is legally disqualified from performing the functions of that office; and
(b) by the insertion of the following new clause immediatelyafter clause (3):
(4) Subject to this Constitution, a Minister shall continue to hold office until the next general election.
38. The Constitution is amended by the insertion of the
following new Article immediately after Article 117:
117A. The President may appoint a prescribed number of Deputy Ministers as the President may consider necessary to assist Ministers in the performance of the Ministers
25 functions and to exercise or to perform on behalf of Ministers functions of the Ministers that the President may authorise in that behalf.
39. Article 119 (2) of the Constitution is amended by the insertion of the words “and determine” immediately after the word 30 “hear” wherever it appears.
40. Article 120 of the Constitution is amended—
(a) in clause (3) by the deletion of—
(i) paragraph (b) and the substitution therefor of the following:
35 (b) jurisdiction, powers and sittings of the courts and other prescribed courts;; and
(ii) paragraph (e) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(e) jurisdiction, powers and sittings of the courts and other prescribed courts; and (b) by the deletion of clause (5).
Amendment
of Article
122
Amendment
of Article
124
Repeal and replacement
of Article
127 41. Article 122 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of clause (1) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(1) In the exercise of the judicial authority, the Judiciary shall be autonomous and shall be subject only to this Constitution and the law and not be subject to the control or direction of a person or an authority.
42. Article 124 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion 10 of paragraph (c) and the substitution therefor of the following: (c) an uneven number of judges, as prescribed.
43. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 127 and the substitution therefor of the following:
Establishment 127. There is established the Constitutional Court which 15 and consists of—
composition
of (a) the Chief Justice;
Constitutional (b) the President of the Constitutional Court; and
Court
Repeal and replacement of Article
129
Sittings of
Constitutional Court
Repeal of Articles 138 and 139
Amendment of Article 140
Amendment of Article 142
Amendment of Article 143 (c) an uneven number of judges, as prescribed.
44. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 129 20 and the substitution therefor of the following:
129. The sittings of the Constitutional Court shall be as prescribed.
45. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Articles 138
and 139. 25
46. Article 140 of the Constitution is amended by the—
(a) deletion of paragraph (d); and(b) the renumbering of paragraph (e) as paragraph (d).
47. Article 142 (3) of the Constitution is amended by the 30 deletion of the words “and President of the Constitutional Court”.
48. Article 143 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of paragraph (a) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(a) is legally disqualified from performing judicial functions.
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49. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 144 and the substitution therefor of the following:
144. (1) The removal of a judge may be initiated by the Judicial Service Commission or by a complaint made to
5 the Judicial Service Commission, based on the grounds
specified in Article 143. Repeal and replacement of Article 144
Procedure for removal of judge
(2) The Judicial Service Commission shall, where it decides that a prima facie case has been established against a judge, submit a report to the President.
10 (3) The President shall, within seven days from the date of receiving the report, submitted in accordance with clause (2), suspend the judge from office and appoint a Tribunal.
(4) The Tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson and at least two members, who all hold or have held the office of
15 judge.
(5) The Tribunal shall, within thirty days of the judge being suspended from office, under clause (3)—
(a) hear and determine the matter against the judge on the grounds specified in Article 143 (b), (c) or (d);
20 or
(b) constitute a medical board, in consultation with the body responsible for regulating health practitioners, to inquire into an allegation based on the ground specified in Article 143(a).
25 (6) Where the Tribunal decides that an allegation based on a ground specified in Article 143 (b), (c) or (d) is—
(a) not substantiated, the Tribunal shall recommend, to the President, the revocation of the judge’s suspension and the President shall immediately
30 revoke the suspension; or
(b) substantiated, the Tribunal shall recommend, to the President, the removal of the judge from office and the President shall immediately remove the judge from office.
35 (7) The proceedings under clause (5) (a) shall be held in camera and the judge is entitled to appear, be heard and represented by a legal practitioner or other person chosen by the judge.
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(8) The medical board, constituted in accordance with
clause (5) (b), shall consist of not less than three registered
health practitioners.
(9) The medical board shall, within thirty days of being
constituted, examine the judge and report to the Tribunal on
the judge’s capacity to perform the judicial functions.
(10) Where the medical board recommends to the
Tribunal that the judge is—
(a) capable of performing the judicial functions, the
Tribunal shall recommend to the President the 10
revocation of the judge’s suspension and the
President shall immediately revoke the suspension;
or
(b) incapable of performing the judicial functions, the
Tribunal shall recommend to the President the 15
removal of the judge from office and the President
shall immediately remove the judge from office.
(11) A judge who refuses to submit to an examination, in
accordance with clause (9), shall immediately be removed
from office by the President. 20
Amendment 50. Article 147 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion
of Article 147 of clause (2) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(2) The concurrent and exclusive functions of the
national, provincial and local government levels shall be as
prescribed. 25
Repeal and 51. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 149
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article
149
Provinces 149. (1) The President may create or divide a province
and districts or merge two or more provinces, as prescribed.
(2) A province shall consist of such number of districts, 30
as prescribed.
Repeal and 52. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 153
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article
153
Election of 153. (1) A councilor shall be elected in accordance with
councillors, Article 47(3) by registered voters’ resident within the ward. 40
composition
of councils (2) A council shall consist of the following councillors:
and tenure (a) persons elected in accordance with clause (1);
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(b) a mayor or council chairperson;
(c) not more than three chiefs or three chief’s representatives in the district, elected by the chiefs in the district, except that where a district has three
5 or fewer number of chiefs, each chief may nominate a representative; and
(d) a Member of Parliament elected in accordance with Articles 47(2);
(3) The system of electing chiefs specified in clause (2) 10 (c) shall be as prescribed.
(4) A person qualifies to be elected as a councillor, if that person—
53. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 154 30 and the substitution therefor of the following:
154. (1) There shall be a mayor and a deputy mayor or council chairperson and a deputy council chairperson for every council, as prescribed.
(2) A mayor and deputy mayor or a council chairperson 35 and deputy council chairperson shall be elected-
(a) by councilors among themselves, as prescribed; and
(b) for a term of five years and may be re-elected for one further term of five years. Repeal and replacement of Article 154
Mayor or council chairperson and deputy mayor or deputy council chairperson
(a) is eighteen years of age or above;
(b) has obtained, as a minimum academic qualification,
15 a grade twelve school certificate or its equivalent;
(c) is a citizen resident in the district;
(d) declares that person’s assets and liabilities, asprescribed; and
(e) has paid that person’s taxes or made arrangements
20 satisfactory to the appropriate tax authority for the payment of the taxes.
(5) A council may invite a person, whose presence is in the council’s opinion desirable, to attend and participate in the deliberations of the council but that person shall have no vote.
25 (6) The term of a council shall be five years commencing from the date the councillors are sworn into office after a general election and ending on the date of the next general election.
Repeal and replacement
of Article 157
Vacation of office or councillors and vacancy
Repeal and replacement
of Article
158
Repeal and replacement of Article 159
Local government elections tribunal
Repeal and replacement
of Article 165
Institution of chieftaincy
and
traditional institutions
Amendment of Article 168
Repeal and replacement
of Article 169
House of
Chiefs and
Function 54. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 157 and the substitution therefor of the following:
157. (1) A councillor shall vacate office on dissolution of a council.
(2) The vacation of office of a councillor shall be as 5 prescribed.
55. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 158.
56. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 159 and the substitution therefor of the following:
159. The Chief Justice shall establish a number of ad 10 hoc local government election tribunals for election petitions of a councillor as prescribed.
57. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 165 and the substitution therefor of the following:
165. (1) Subject to clause (2), the institution of 15
chieftaincy and traditional institutions are guaranteed and shall exist in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions of the people to whom they apply.
(2) The recognition or withdrawal of a person as a chief
shall be as prescribed. 20
(3) Where there is a dispute in respect of an appointment or election of a chief and the dispute is not resolved in accordance with the culture, customs and tradition of the people to whom it applies the dispute shall be resolved by the
House of Chiefs. 25
58. Article 168 (2) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of the words “except that of councillor”.
59. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 169 and the substitution therefor of the following:
169. (1) There is established a House of Chiefs. 30
(2) The House of Chiefs shall consist of five chiefs from each province, elected by the chiefs in a Province, as prescribed.
(3) The members of the House of Chiefs shall elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, every five years from among themselves.
(4) The functions of the House of Chiefs are to—
5 (a) consider and discuss a Bill relating to custom or
tradition referred to it by the President, before the Bill is introduced into the National Assembly;
(b) initiate, discuss and make recommendations to the
National Assembly regarding socio-economic
10 development in the Province;
(c) initiate, discuss and decide on matters relating to customary law and practice;
(d) initiate, discuss and make recommendations to a localauthority regarding the welfare of communities in
15 a local authority;
(e) make proposals on areas in customary law thatrequire codification;
(f) advise the Government on traditional and customary matters;
20 (g) resolve succession and any other disputes relating to chieftaincy as prescribed; and
(h) perform other functions as prescribed.
60. Article 170(2) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion Amendment
of paragraph (d) and the substitution therefor of the following: of Article 170
25 (d) is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment
for a period exceeding six months without the option of a fine.
61. Article 176 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion— Amendment
of Article 176
(a) in clause (1), of the words “in consultation with the Civil
Service Commission”;
30 (b) of clause (3) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(3) A person qualifies to be appointed as Secretary to the Cabinet
if that person has served in a senior management position in the
public service for at least ten years.
62. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 178
35 and the substitution therefor of the following:
178. (1) The term of office of the Attorney-General shall Repeal and
be five years and shall run concurrently with the term of the replacement
of Article
President. 178
(2) The office of the Attorney-General becomes vacant
if —
(a) the Attorney-General is removed from office by the
President;
(b) another person assumes the office of President;
(c) the Attorney General dies;
(d) the Attorney-General resigns; or
(e) the Attorney-General is legally disqualified from
performing the functions of that office.
Amendment 63.Article 179 of the Constitution is amended— 10
of Article 179
(a) by the deletion of the words “Solicitor-General” wherever
the words appear and the substitution therefor of the
words “Deputy Attorney-General”;
Amendment 64. Article 183 of the Constitution is amended—
of Article 183
(a) in clause (1), by the deletion of the words “in consultation 15
with the Civil Service Commission”;
(b) in clause (3) (a) (ii), by the deletion of the words “province,
local authority, State institution or other prescribed body”
and the substitution thereof of the words “public body”;;
and 20
(c) by the deletion of clause (3)(b) and the re-numbering of
paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) as paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d).
Amendment 65. Article 184 (2) is amended by the deletion of paragraph
of Article 184 (d). 25
Amendment 66. Article 186 is amended by the insertion of the following
of Article 186 clause immediately after clause (2):
(3) A public officer who seeks election under clause (1) shall resign at least two years before the date of election.
Repeal and 67. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 189 30
replacement and the substitution therefor of the following:
of Article 189
Payment of 189. A pension benefit shall be paid promptly and
pension regularly.
benefit 189.
Amendment 68. Article 192 (2) of the Constitution is amended by the
of Article 192 insertion of the following paragraph immediately after paragraph 40
(c):
(d) perform other functions as may be prescribed.
69. Article 193 (1) of the Constitution is amended by the—
(a) insertion of the following paragraph immediately after paragraph (c):
(d) the Anti-Drugs, Economic and Financial Crimes
5 Agency;; and
(b) renumbering of paragraph (d) as paragraph (e).
70. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 199 and the substitution therefor of the following:
199. A tax shall not be imposed, waived or varied, except
10 as prescribed.
71. Article 213 of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of clause (2) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(2) The function of the Bank of Zambia is to formulate and implement monetary policy.
15 72. Article 214(1) of the Constitution is amended by the deletion of paragraph (b) and the substitution therefor of the following:
(b) a person who has specialised training and proven experience relevant to the functions of the central bank, as prescribed.
20 73. Article 215 (d) of the Constitution is amended by the insertion of the word “qualifications,” immediately before the word “tenure”.
74. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Part XVIII and the substitution therefor of the following:
25 PART XVIII
SERVICE, INVESTIGATIVE AND OTHER COMMISSIONS AND INDEPENDENT OFFICES
216. (1) A service, investigative or other commission may be established as prescribed. Amendment of Article 193
Repeal and replacement
of Article 199
Imposition of tax
Amendment
of Article 213
Amendment of Article 214
Amendment of Article 215
Repeal and replacement of Part XVIII
Commissions
30 (2) A commission shall—
(a) be subject only to this Constitution and the law;
(b) be independent;
(c) act with dignity, professionalism, propriety and
integrity;
35 (d) be non-partisan; and
(e) be impartial in the exercise of its authority.
Financial and independence of
Commission
Expenses of
Commission
Electoral
Commission of Zambia
Human
Rights
Commission 217. (1) A commission shall be a self-accounting institution which deals directly with the Ministry responsible for finance in matters relating to its finances.
(2) A commission shall be adequately funded in a financial year to enable it to effectively perform its functions.
218. The expenses of a commission, including emoluments payable to, or in respect of, persons serving with that commission, shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund.
Electoral Commission of Zambia
219. (1) There is established the Electoral Commission 10 of Zambia which shall be independent and have offices in Provinces and in districts, progressively.
(2) The Electoral Commission shall—
(a) implement the electoral process;
(b) conduct elections and referenda; 15
(c) register voters;
(d) settle minor electoral disputes, as prescribed;
(e) regulate the conduct of voters and candidates;
(f) accredit observers and election agents, as prescribed;
(g) delimit electoral boundaries; and 20
(h) perform such other functions, as prescribed.
Human Rights Commission
220. (1) There is established the Human Rights Commission which shall have offices in the provinces and
districts, progressively. 25
(2) The Human Rights Commission shall ensure that the Bill of Rights is upheld and protected.
(3) The Human Rights Commission shall—
(a investigate and report on the observance of rights and
freedoms; 30
(b) take necessary steps to secure appropriate redress where rights and freedoms are violated;
(c) endeavour to resolve a dispute through negotiation, mediation or conciliation;
(d) carry out research on rights and freedoms and related 40 matters;
(e) conduct civic education on rights and freedoms; and (f) perform such other functions as prescribed.
Investigative Commissions
5
10
15 221. (1) There is established the Anti-Corruption Commission as an Investigative Commission.
(2) The functions of the Anti-Corruption Commission shall be as prescribed.
Other Independent Offices
222. (1) There is a Public Protector appointed by the President, subject to ratification by the National Assembly.
(2) A person qualifies for appointment as Public Protector if that person—
(a) is qualified to be appointed as a judge; and
(b) does not hold a State office or Constitutional office.
(3) The office of Public Protector shall progressively be decentralised to the Provinces and to districts, as prescribed.
223. (1) The Public Protector may investigate an action or decision taken or omitted to be taken by a State institution in the performance of an administrative function. Investigative
Commission
Public
Protector
Functions of
Public
Protector
(2) For purposes of clause (1), an action or decision taken or omitted to be taken is an action or decision which is—
20 (a) unfair, unreasonable or illegal; or
(b) not compliant with the rules of natural justice.
(3) For purposes of clauses (1) and (2), the Public
Protector may—
(a) bring an action before a court;
25 (b) hear an appeal by a person relating to an action or decision taken or omitted to be taken in respect of that person; and
(c) make a decision on an action to be taken against a public office or Constitutional office holder, which 30 decision shall be implemented by an appropriate authority.
(4) The Public Protector shall not be subject to the direction or control of a person or an authority in the performance of the functions of office.
35 (5) The Public Protector has the same powers as those of the High Court in—
(a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examiningthem on oath;
(b) examining witnesses outside Zambia;
(c) compelling the production of documents;
(d) enforcing decisions issued by the Public Protector;and
(e) citing a person or an authority for contempt for failure to carry out a decision.
(6) A person summoned to give evidence or to produce a document before the Public Protector is entitled, in respect of that evidence or the production of the document, to the
Limitation of powers of Public
Protector
Performance of functions of Public Protector during, absence
illness or other cause
Tenure of
Office of
Public
Protector same privileges and protection as those that a person would 10 be entitled to before a court.
(7) An answer by a person to a question put by the Public Protector is not admissible in evidence against that person in civil or criminal proceedings, except for perjury.
224. The Public Protector shall not investigate a 15 matter which—
(a) is before a court, court martial or a quasi-judicialbody;
(b) relates to an officer in the Parliamentary Service or
Judicial Service; 20
(c) involves the relations or dealings between theGovernment and foreign government or an international organisation; and
(d) relates to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy;or 25
(e) is criminal in nature.
225. Where the Public Protector is absent from Zambia or is unable to perform the functions of office due to illness or other cause, the President shall appoint a person qualified to perform the functions of the Public Protector until 30 that appointment is revoked or until the Public Protector returns to office.
226. (1) Subject to this Article, the Public Protector shall retire from office on attaining the age of sixty years.
(2) The Public Protector may retire, with full benefits, 35 on attaining the age of fifty-five years.
(3) The Public Protector may be removed from office on the same grounds and procedure as apply to a judge, with the necessary modification.
(4) The Public Protector may resign from office by three 40 months’ notice, in writing, to the President.
5
10
15 227. The office of the Public Protector shall report to the National Assembly on matters concerning its affairs.
228. (1) There is an Auditor-General appointed by the President, subject to ratification by the National Assembly.
(2) The office of Auditor-General shall be decentralised to the Provinces and to districts progressively, as prescribed.
(3) The following shall be prescribed:
(a) the qualifications of the Auditor-General;
(b) the operations and management of the office of theAuditor-General;
(c) the recruitment, supervision, grading, promotion and discipline of the staff of the Auditor-General; and (d) the finances of the office of the Auditor-General. 229. (1) The Auditor-General shall—
(a) audit the accounts of— Report to
National
Assembly
Auditor-
General
Functions of
Auditor-
General
(i) State organs, State institutions, provincialadministration and local authorities; and
(ii) institutions financed from public funds;
(b) audit the accounts that relate to the stocks, shares
20 and stores of the Government;
(c) conduct financial and value for money audits, including forensic audits and any other type of audit, in respect of a project that involves the use of public funds;
25 (d) ascertain that money appropriated by Parliament or raised by the Government and disbursed-
(i) has been applied for the purpose for which itwas appropriated or raised;
(ii) was expended in conformity with the
30 authority that governs it; and
(iii) was expended economically, efficiently and effectively; and
(e) recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions or a law enforcement agency any matter within
35 the competence of the Auditor-General, that may require to be prosecuted.
(2) The Auditor-General and any other officer authorised by the Auditor-General shall have access to all books, records, reports and other documents relating to any of the accounts 40 referred to in clause (1).
(3) The Auditor-General shall not be subject to the
direction or control of a person or an authority in the
performance of the functions of that office.
Performance 230. Where the Auditor-General is absent from Zambia
of functions or is unable to perform the functions of office due to illness or
of Auditor-
other cause, the President shall appoint a person qualified to
General
perform the functions of the Auditor-General until that
during
absence, appointment is revoked or until the Auditor-General returns
illness or to office.
other cause
Tenure of 231. (1) Subject to this Article, the Auditor-General shall 10
office of hold office for a term of seven years or retire from office on
Auditor-
attaining the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.
General
(2) The Auditor-General may retire, with full benefits,
on attaining the age of fifty-five years.
(3) The Auditor-General may be removed from office 15
on the same grounds and procedure as apply to a judge, with
the necessary modifications.
(4) The Auditor-General may resign from office by giving
three months’ notice in writing, to the President.
Repeal of 75. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of Article 264. 20
Article 264
Amendment 76. Article 266 of the Constitution is amended—
of Article 266 (a) by the deletion of the definitions of “adult”, “chief”, “child”,
“commission”, “councillor”, “devolution”, “pension
benefit”, “public office”, “public officer”, “public
service”, “service commissions”, “State institution”, 25
“sub-national”, “young person” and “youth” and the
substitution therefor of the following:
“adult” means a person who has attained, or is above,
the age of eighteen years;
“chief” means a person bestowed as chief and who 30
derives allegiance from birth or descent, in
accordance with the customs, traditions, usage
or consent of the people in a chiefdom or is
recognised as prescribed;
“child” means a person below the age of eighteen 35
years;
“councillor” means a person elected to sit in the
council in accordance with Article 47(3) during
the local government elections;
“Deputy Minister” means a person appointed as a Deputy Minister;
“devolution” means a form of decentralisation where there is a transfer of rights, functions and powers
5 of an office from the central government or
State institution to a province or district authority and the word “devolved” shall be construed accordingly;
“pension benefit” includes a pension, gratuity or
10 compensation in respect of a person’s service;
“province” means an administrative division of government at provincial or district level;
“public office” means an office whose emoluments and expenses are a charge on the Consolidated
15 Fund or other prescribed public fund;
“public officer” means a person holding or acting in a public office and includes state officer;
“public service” includes a commission, Judicial
Service Commission, Public Service
20 Commission and Teaching Service Commission;
“young person” means a person who has attained the age of fifteen years, but is below the age of eighteen years; and
“youth” means a person between the age of fifteen
25 years and thirty-five years.; and
(b) by the insertion, of the following new definitions in alphabetical order:
“appropriate authority” means an authority responsible for determining the emoluments of
30 public officers, chiefs and members of the
House of Chiefs as provided in this Constitution or as prescribed;
“legally disqualified” means a disqualification by a court or quasi-judicial body established by law;
35 “meeting” means a series of sittings of the National Assembly, for a period beginning when the National Assembly first sits after being summoned and terminating when the National
Assembly is adjourned sine die;
“public body” means the Government, a Ministry or department of the Government, the National Assembly, the Judicature, a local authority, parastatal, Commission or other body appointed by the Government or established by or under, any law, except a private body and “public bodies” shall be construed accordingly;
“sitting” in relation to a calendar day means the period between the time when the Speaker calls the
Amendment of Article 272
Repeal of Annex
General amendment Assembly to Order and the time when the 10 Assembly is adjourned; and
“Standing Orders” means the Standing Orders of the National Assembly made under Article 77.
77. Article 272 of the Constitution is amended by the insertion of the words “within such period as it shall determine” between 15 the words “may” and “enact”.
78. The Constitution is amended by the repeal of the Annex.
79. The Constitution is amended by the deletion of—
(a) the words “the Emoluments Commission” wherever thewords appear and the substitution therefor of the words 20 “an appropriate authority”;
(b) the words “Director of Public Prosecutions” whereverthe words appear and the substitution therefor of the words “Prosecutor-General”;
(c) the words “progressively to districts” and the substitution 25 therefor of the words “to districts progressively”.
