By Chilufya Tayali
ON ANOTHER NOTE: IS OUR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY READY FOR THE EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP 281, AFTER THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS?
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We have less than a month before the elections and I would like get an update on the preparations for the new seating at National Assembly
I raise this question as a concerned citizen who believes in being proactive rather than waiting until challenges arise.
Under the new constitutional arrangements, the National Assembly will be much bigger than before.
Previous National Assembly (2021–2026):
– 156 Elected MPs
– 8 Nominated MPs
– Vice-President
– Speaker
– First Deputy Speaker
Total: 167 Members
New National Assembly (after the 2026 General Elections):
– 226 Elected Constituency MPs
– 40 Proportional Representation MPs
* 20 Women
* 15 Youths
* 5 Persons with Disabilities
– Up to 11 Nominated MPs
– Vice-President
– Speaker
– First Deputy Speaker
– Second Deputy Speaker
Maximum Total: 281 Members
This means the National Assembly sitting has to increase from 167 to 281 members, an addition of 114 members.
My simple question is: Is the current National Assembly Chamber and its supporting facilities ready to accommodate this increase?
If the necessary preparations have already been made, it would be reassuring for the Government or the National Assembly to update the public. Keeping citizens informed on such important matters promotes confidence and transparency.
TAYALI THE POLITICAL ENGINEER!!!