ECZ ORIENTS NRPUP, UPND ON PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION SEATS
By: Mulabasa Staff Reporter
LUSAKA — The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has conducted an orientation meeting with qualifying political parties on the allocation and submission of Party Lists for the newly introduced Proportional Representation (PR) seats.
The meeting, held on 9th September 2026 at the ECZ Head Office, brought together representatives of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) and the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The orientation was aimed at familiarising the participating political parties with the legal framework governing the distribution of PR seats, submission of Party Lists and the processing of the lists by the Commission.
The development follows the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, which introduced 40 Proportional Representation seats in the National Assembly, alongside proportional representation seats in councils as prescribed by law.
Of the 40 National Assembly PR seats:
20 seats are reserved for women;
15 seats are reserved for youths; and
5 seats are reserved for persons with disabilities.
Under the proportional representation electoral system, the seats will be allocated to qualifying political parties in proportion to the total number of valid votes obtained by their respective presidential candidates at national level.
The allocation will be determined using the quota-based formula prescribed by law.
During the orientation, the ECZ outlined the procedures and requirements for the submission of Party Lists and emphasized the need for political parties to comply with the constitutional and electoral provisions governing nominations for PR seats.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the participating parties to seek clarification from the Commission on various aspects of the process and establish a common understanding of the legal requirements.
The introduction of the PR system marks a significant development in Zambia’s electoral framework, with the reserved seats intended to enhance representation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in the National Assembly.
Electoral Commission of Zambia