Zambia to announce 40 proportional representation MPs

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is preparing to announce 40 Members of Parliament elected through a new proportional representation system. This system, mandated by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, allocates seats to specific interest groups: 20 for women, 15 for youth, and five for persons with disabilities.

The allocation of these seats is determined by the total valid votes received by presidential candidates from qualifying political parties. Currently, the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity and the United Party for National Development have qualified for these seats based on their presidential election performance.

Legal expert Dickson Jere has clarified that these individuals should be classified as elected MPs rather than nominated MPs. He noted that under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, voters indirectly participate in the selection through the presidential ballot. While the President can nominate 11 MPs, the 40 proportional representation seats are filled via a party-list system where candidates must file nominations with the ECZ.