With ex-ministers losing their seats, who do you want to see as new ministers?

Recent election results have prompted questions about […]

Recent election results have prompted questions about the fate of former ministers who have lost their parliamentary seats, and the implications for Cabinet formation as the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) retains power.

With a number of United Party for National Development (UPND) former ministers failing to secure re-election or retain their parliamentary seats, questions have emerged regarding the composition of the next Cabinet if the party forms the next government.

According to Democratic Governance and Human Rights Advocates (DEGHA) National Coordinator Gerald Mutelo, the party may have to rely on appointing new ministers in the affected ministries among elected, nominated, or proportionally represented Members of Parliament, regardless of party affiliation.

Mutelo also noted that the continuity and effectiveness of government operations remain assured through the work of experienced civil servants, who provide stability regardless of changes in political leadership.

“It’s important to clarify that once Parliament is dissolved, all ministerial positions are also dissolved, and there is no new Cabinet until a president is officially declared and sworn in.”

Mutelo, however, added that the Zambian Constitution grants the president broad latitude to appoint ministers. “Ministers can be drawn from elected Members of Parliament, those nominated as MPs, or individuals who come in under proportional representation.

Crucially, the president is not restricted to appointing only from the ruling party; any MP, whether independent, opposition, nominated, or proportionally represented, is eligible for a Cabinet position. Therefore, the loss of seats by some former Cabinet ministers should not be a cause for concern regarding the formation or functioning of the next government.”

“It’s also worth noting that the core machinery of government is run by technocrats, career civil servants whose work continues regardless of which politicians are appointed as ministers. While ministers come and go, civil servants provide stability and continuity in government operations.”
While former ministers who have lost their parliamentary seats cannot be reappointed as Ministers according to DEGHA, they may still be considered for other government roles, such as diplomatic or appointed positions.

Article by ZBT Analyst