Zambia National Assembly composition changes

Zambia is undergoing a shift in its National Assembly composition following recent elections and the implementation of a new proportional representation system. Under the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, 40 seats are allocated to specific interest groups—including 20 for women, 15 for youth, and five for persons with disabilities—based on the presidential election performance of qualifying parties.

In addition to these proportional representation seats, President Hakainde Hichilema has exercised constitutional powers to nominate five individuals to Parliament. Among these nominees, Professor Roma Chilengi, Dr Gilbert Siame, and Mulambo Haimbe have been appointed to the Cabinet as Ministers of Health, Green Economy and Environment, and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, respectively.

As of the latest data, the National Assembly includes 224 members, with 34 identified as female and 190 as male. The United Party for National Development (UPND) holds 41 female seats through a mix of elected and proportional representation, while the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) holds 14.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has since validated 40 new Members of Parliament under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, which includes the addition of six student representatives. While student unions and the UPND have praised the expansion as a step toward inclusivity, the Socialist Party (SP) has raised concerns regarding the nomination process. SP National Youth Spokesperson Sconel Lusambo questioned whether selections were based on merit or political loyalty, suggesting a perception that government supporters were favored over critics.