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Politics

ECZ Says PR Seat Reallocation Follows Law

The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- has defended its decision to redistribute...

By Arnold Tutu Zambia24 Published • 2 days ago 2 min read

By Mark Ziligone

The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- has defended its decision to redistribute proportional representation –PR- seats to other qualifying political parties, saying the move was guided by the law.

ECZ Chairperson MWANGALA ZALOUMIS told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka that the Electoral Process Amendment Act Number 12 of 2026 provides for the redistribution of seats when a qualifying political party fails to submit its list of nominees within the prescribed seven-day period.

Ms. ZALOUMIS said the law requires the Commission to allocate the vacant seats to other qualifying political parties using the prescribed formula.

She said that following the 2026 General Election, the Commission informed the two political parties that qualified for PR seats of their respective allocations and the requirements for submitting their lists of nominees.

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Ms. ZALOUMIS said the parties were given seven days to submit their lists, as required by law.

She said the redistribution was triggered by the failure of one qualifying political party to meet the requirements within the stipulated period.

Ms. ZALOUMIS said the Commission’s decision was not based on political preference but on the provisions of the law.

She also dismissed allegations of political collusion, manipulation and favouritism, saying the Commission had no authority to award seats to any political party as a favour.

Ms. ZALOUMIS said the Commission’s role was to receive and verify lists submitted by qualifying political parties and ensure that all legal requirements were met.

She said proportional representation was a new feature of Zambia’s electoral system that had generated public interest and debate.

Ms. ZALOUMIS said the Commission remained open to scrutiny and constructive engagement but urged political parties and members of the public to understand the law before making allegations against the institution.

Source: Zambia24 — Read more

Electoral Commission of Zambia

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