LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially launched the delimitation exercise, marking a significant milestone in the country’s electoral process.
This move is part of the Commission’s efforts to implement the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, which introduces far-reaching reforms to the electoral process.
The reforms include three major developments: the 2026 delimitation of constituencies, the implementation of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) electoral system, and the inspection of the Provisional Register of Voters, including revised timelines.
ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, SC, explained that the delimitation exercise aims to increase the number of constituency-based seats in Parliament from 156 to 226, addressing population growth, demographic changes, and representation needs.
The Commission is mandated to create 70 additional constituencies, which must be completed, published in the Government Gazette, and take effect on 15th May 2026, when
Parliament stands dissolved. Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments on the draft Bill for the MMPR system by February 10, 2026, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for February 11.
The ECZ is currently consolidating and cleaning the Provisional Register of Voters, with online inspection set to run from February 22 to March 8, and physical inspection at polling stations from March 2 to March 8.
The Commission will certify the 2026 Register of Voters on April 30.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has launched the delimitation exercise, aiming to create 70 new constituencies and implement the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, a significant move driven by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, marking a crucial step in Zambia’s electoral reforms.
The MMPR system combines constituency-based seats with proportional representation seats, meaning voters will elect representatives for their constituencies and also vote for parties, with seats allocated proportionally to the parties’ overall vote share, aiming to provide more representative and inclusive governance.
The delimitation exercise will increase constituency-based seats from 156 to 226, ensuring fair representation of urban and densely populated areas, addressing population growth and demographic changes, and enhancing representation across the country.
The ECZ has emphasized that the process is constitutional, non-arbitrary, and non-political, guided by Article 59 of the Constitution, inviting stakeholders to submit written comments on the draft Bill for the MMPR system by February 10.
However, some experts warn of gerrymandering risks, where boundary manipulation could influence election outcomes, highlighting the need for the ECZ to ensure transparency, public participation, and timely judicial review to mitigate these risks.
The implementation of the MMPR system and the delimitation exercise are expected to have significant implications for Zambia’s political landscape, making it essential to monitor the process closely.