PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate release)
ECZ DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS OF MANIPULATION OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION SEATS
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has noted with concern allegations attributed to Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba’s Facebook page suggesting that the Commission unlawfully allocated proportional representation (PR) seats belonging to the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) to the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Commission categorically rejects allegations of political collusion or deliberate manipulation of the proportional representation process.
The Commission wishes to indicate that Section 36C(1) of the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026 requires a qualifying political party to submit its party list within seven days following the distribution of PR seats.
Further, Section 36C(9) provides that where a political party fails to submit a party list within the prescribed period, the Commission shall redistribute the vacant seat to another qualifying political party in accordance with the formula prescribed under Section 36B.
The Commission emphasises that the responsibility to submit the required names within the prescribed period rests with the qualifying political party. The Commission cannot therefore be held responsible for a political party’s failure to comply with statutory requirements. Members of the public may also wish to note that the Commission held a meeting with both qualifying political parties and highlighted the requirements under the proportional representation process. Therefore NRPUP was aware of the number of seats they were entitled to, but proceeded to submit less seats.
Accordingly, the redistribution of seats arising from a failure to submit a party list, is a requirement of the law and not an act of political favouritism or manipulation
The Commission therefore dismisses allegations that the lawful application of these provisions constitutes electoral misconduct
The Commission advises stakeholders to disregard these allegations as they are untrue and unfounded.
Brown Kasaro
Chief Electoral Officer
For/The Commission
ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA