NRPUP submitted fewer PR names than allocated – ECZ
THE National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) lost out when it submitted fewer names than the number of proportional representation (PR) seats allocated to it, resulting in the redistribution of the vacant seats to the United Party for National Development (UPND), the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said.
ECZ chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro said the redistribution was done in accordance with the law and did not amount to political favouritism or manipulation.
In a press statement issued on today, Kasaro dismissed allegations attributed to Emmanuel Mwamba’s Facebook page that the Commission unlawfully allocated NRPUP’s seats to UPND.
He said the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026 requires qualifying political parties to submit their party lists within seven days after the distribution of PR seats.
Kasaro said Section 36C(9) of the law provides that where a political party fails to submit its list within the prescribed period, the Commission must redistribute the vacant seat to another qualifying party in accordance with the formula under Section 36B.
He said NRPUP was aware of the number of seats it was entitled to and had been informed of the requirements during a meeting with the Commission and the other qualifying political party.
However, Kasaro explained that NRPUP proceeded to submit fewer names than the seats allocated to it, leaving the Commission with the responsibility to redistribute the vacant seats as required by law.
He said the Commission could not be held responsible for a political party’s failure to comply with the statutory requirements.
“The Commission advises stakeholders to disregard these allegations as they are untrue and unfounded,” Kasaro stated.
By Kalemba,