ECZ CHAIRPERSON DENIES POLITICAL BIAS IN REDISTRIBUTION OF PR SEATS TO UPND

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has firmly defended its management of the newly introduced mixed-member proportional representation (PR) system, dismissing accusations of political collusion and favoritism. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis addressed mounting public contention surrounding the allocation of parliamentary and local government seats following the August general elections. Critics, particularly affiliates of opposition alliances, had accused the electoral body of bias after vacant PR seats initially assigned to the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) were reallocated to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the current distribution framework is governed by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act Number 13 of 2025 and operationalized by the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act Number 12 of 2026. Under these provisions, 40 PR seats are specifically designated to enhance the representation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities. Following the general vote, only two political entities—the UPND and the NRPUP—met the constitutional thresholds to qualify for a share of these proportional seats. According to the electoral chief, the statutory timeline outlines a strict 21-day window divided into three distinct seven-day stages for allocation, nominee submission, and final validation. Mrs. Zaloumis stated that the NRPUP failed to provide a complete and compliant party list of nominees within the mandatory seven-day deadline. Consequently, the commission was legally bound to treat the unfilled positions as forfeited and redistribute them to the remaining qualifying party in accordance with the statutory formula. "The commission has no authority whatsoever, legal or otherwise, to award seats as a political favor to any party that has not qualified, nor does it have the authority to disregard the consequences that the law expre