We had no choice but to reallocate vacant PR seats after NRPUP failed to submit list – ECZ

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has firmly defended its decision to reallocate vacant proportional representation (PR) seats, explaining that it had no legal alternative after the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) failed to submit its required nominee list within the stipulated deadline. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis addressed mounting public scrutiny and allegations of political bias, insisting that the electoral body operates strictly under the governance of Zambia's electoral laws rather than political convenience. The controversy emerged following the August general elections, which saw the introduction of a newly implemented proportional representation system designed to reserve seats in the National Assembly for women, youths, and persons with disabilities. Under the applicable constitutional and legal framework, parties qualify for shares of these 40 special seats based on their performance in the presidential poll. Only two political entities—President Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) and the NRPUP—met the threshold to qualify for seats. However, complications arose when the NRPUP submitted a list containing only eight candidates instead of filling its full quota, and subsequently missed the strict seven-day compliance window. Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro reinforced the commission's position, noting that the electoral body formally notified both qualifying parties of their quotas, timelines, and nomination procedures following the polls. Because the NRPUP failed to present a complete candidate roster within the mandatory timeframe, the ECZ stated it was legally bound to redistribute the remaining unfilled seats to the other qualifying party, the UPND, which ultimately received 32 of the 40 proportional seats. Officials stressed that the commission possesses no discretionary power to bypass legal mandates or hold parliamentary seats in