NGOs, Students Hail 40 New MPs as Parliament Widens Under MMPR

Student bodies and civil society organisations have welcomed the entry of 40 new Members of Parliament seated under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, describing it as a significant step towards widening political representation. The development has…

Student bodies and civil society organisations have welcomed the entry of 40 new Members of Parliament seated under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, describing it as a significant step towards widening political representation.

The development has also drawn praise from the United Party for National Development (UPND), which says the implementation of Constitution Amendment Act Number 13 of 2025 has ushered in a more inclusive Parliament.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has validated the 40 MMPR legislators, who have since completed registration formalities at the National Assembly ahead of their swearing-in.

The new legislators include women, youths, persons with disabilities and six student representatives, marking a significant expansion of the voices represented in national decision-making.

National Institute of Public Administration Students Union president Vincent Sakala said President Hakainde Hichilema had fulfilled his commitment to integrating young people into national decision-making.

Addressing the media, Sakala named several of the newly recognised lawmakers, including Gabriel Simutowe, Mwanto Kabaso, Jemimah Mwaba, Michelo Chizombe, Vincent Musilikani and Lloyd Nsonga.

Copperbelt University Students Union president Given Chipewo and University of Zambia Students Union president Amos Mwale also praised the Head of State as a listening leader, urging young people in turn to champion the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Disability Rights Watch programmes coordinator Bruce Chooma said the effective implementation of the MMPR system was an important step towards strengthening inclusive representation.

He said the new disability-inclusive intake was expected to advance legislation and policy covering equality, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, social protection, employment and healthcare.

“Effective representation requires continuous consultation with organisations of persons with disabilities, disability rights defenders, women and youth with disabilities, persons with different disability types and communities across the country,” Chooma said.

Sakala said young people across the country were excited by the new composition of Parliament, and credited President Hichilema for promoting an inclusive governance agenda.

He said the constitutional reforms providing for proportional representation had opened space for young people and other previously under-represented groups to participate directly in the legislative process.

UPND Alliance deputy spokesperson Edmond Miti said the inclusion of young people, persons with disabilities and women in Parliament would provide broader representation.

The new MPs are expected to be sworn in at the National Assembly, completing a process that began with their validation by the Electoral Commission.