Jemimah Mwaba,Kabaso Mwato set to take up seats in the National Assembly

Former University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) leaders Jemimah Mwaba and Kabaso Mwanto are among the prominent United Party for National Development (UPND) nominees slated to take up legislative seats in the National Assembly. The announcement, unfolding at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, marks a significant milestone in the bridge between student activism and mainstream national politics in Zambia. Kabaso Mwanto, widely known by his moniker 'Shuwa Shuwa', previously served as the UNZASU president, while Jemimah Mwaba, popularly recognized as 'Commander Kwishiba', held the office of vice president. Their transition into the legislative arena underscores a deliberate effort by political parties to integrate youth leadership into the governance structures of the nation. These nominations are a direct product of the legal framework ushered in by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act, which introduced proportional representation seats to the National Assembly. This electoral mechanism is designed to foster broader inclusivity, ensuring that demographic groups historically underrepresented in direct constituency contests—such as youth and women—find a formalized pathway into the country's highest law-making body. Both Mwaba and Mwanto have previously been vocal advocates for legislative reforms centering on youth and gender inclusion, having notably campaigned for constitutional changes during their tenure at the highest institution of learning. However, their formal ascension to Parliament is not yet absolute. As of this morning, the nominations of Mwaba and Mwanto remain subject to mandatory validation by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The electoral body is tasked with verifying that all nominees satisfy the strict legal and constitutional thresholds required for parliamentary office. Until this administrative and regulatory clearance is officially certified, their seating in the House remains pending, drawing intense scrutiny an