ECZ validates 40 proportional representation MPs

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has validated the candidature of 40 nominated members of Parliament to the National Assembly under the Proportional Representation system. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, who was Returning Officer, also declared the 40 nominated…

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has validated the candidature of 40 nominated members of Parliament to the National Assembly under the Proportional Representation system.

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, who was Returning Officer, also declared the 40 nominated candidates as Members of Parliament.

The media reports that of the 40 newly declared nominated Members of Parliament, 20 are women, 15 are youths and five are persons with disabilities

Speaking earlier at the event before the validation process, Ms Zaloumis said the inclusion of 40 proportional representation members in the National Assembly, follows the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025.

 .

ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis noted that the 40 reserved seats comprise 20 for women, 15 for youths and five for persons with disabilities, following the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No. 13 of 2025.

Ms Zaloumis charged that the new system is aimed at strengthening inclusivity and ensuring that Parliament reflects the diversity of the Zambian population.

She further said the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026 provides the legal framework for implementing proportional representation, including the allocation of seats and publication of political party lists.

She disclosed that only two political parties, the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), qualified for the proportional representation seats in the National Assembly and local councils.

Ms Zaloumis further said candidates selected through proportional representation are required to meet the same constitutional qualifications as those who contested constituency seats in the August 13, 2026 elections.

She said the ECZ has verified that the candidates meet the requirements under Articles 70 and 153 of the Constitution.

Ms Zaloumis traced the introduction of proportional representation to electoral reform proposals dating back to 2004, saying successive constitutional review processes recommended a mixed-member system.

She cited proposals by the Electoral Reform Technical Committee, the National Constitutional Conference and the 2015 Technical Committee on Drafting the Zambian Constitution adding that the 2025 constitutional amendment has now made the long-standing proposal a reality.

Ms Zaloumis has since urged stakeholders, including political parties and the media, to support the implementation of the new electoral system and ensure that the public is adequately informed about the process.

Speaking to the media in an interview, newly declared nominated MP and former UNZASU Vice President Jemimah Mwaba said being MP carries a major responsibility, adding that the inclusion of 15 youths, 20 women and five people living with disabilities in Parliament, demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to inclusive representation.

Ms Mwaba said her responsibility is to ensure that the concerns of the people she represents are brought to the decision-making table and also urged young people participating in politics to reject violence and instead focus on providing ideas, solutions and meaningful contributions to national development.

She encouraged students interested in politics to begin by participating in student associations and other platforms within their institutions.

Ms Mwaba, who is completing her final year of studies, said young people should balance their education with political participation and pursue politics where they feel called to serve, adding that political participation should be about adding value and substance rather than engaging in violence.

And another newly nominated MP Newly nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Caroline Katotobwe said her appointment marks a historic milestone in a 15 year campaign for increased parliamentary representation of marginalised groups, such as women, persons with disabilities and the youth.

Dr. Katotobwe further said seeing an initiative she championed from civil society in 2011 culminate in the increased presence of marginalised groups in Parliament is both humbling and gratifying.

And newly nominated MP Don Mwenda has pledged to use his position to ensure that young people make meaningful contributions to national decision-making, saying the youth will enter Parliament with a serious mindset and a commitment to serving the interests of the people.

Mr Mwenda said the opportunity given to young people to sit at the decision-making table, carries a responsibility to demonstrate their capabilities through tangible results rather than being judged by their age.

Meanwhile, newly nominated MP Kennedy Phiri said his elevation to Parliament marks a significant milestone in his long-standing political journey and presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of people living with disabilities and the community from which he hails.

Mr Phiri disclosed that his nomination is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the people of Ndola and the disability community, who have supported his political aspirations since he first entered elective politics in 2016.