ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has defended the redistribution of Proportional Representation seats, saying the process was conducted in accordance with the law. Zaloumis said there was no political manipulation, collusion or favouritism as alleged by some sections of society, and that the commission has no authority to allocate seats as a political

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ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has defended the redistribution of Proportional Representation seats, saying the process was conducted in accordance with the law.

Zaloumis said there was no political manipulation, collusion or favouritism as alleged by some sections of society, and that the commission has no authority to allocate seats as a political favour or ignore the legal consequences of a qualifying party’s failure to fulfil its obligations.

She was speaking at a media briefing following concerns raised by Tonse Alliance secretary-general Muhabi Lungu, who threatened legal action against the ECZ over allocation of PR seats to the governing United Party for National Development.

The controversy arose after Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro was quoted saying some PR seats had been redistributed to the UPND after the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity failed to submit a party list.

Zaloumis dismissed claims of conspiracy.

“The commission acted within the legal framework governing the allocation of PR seats,” she said.

She said following the August 2026 general elections, only two of the 13 political parties that contested qualified for PR seat allocation.

The ECZ informed the qualifying parties on Sept. 7, 2026, of their allocations, the deadline for submitting party lists, submission procedures and qualifications required for nominees, she said.

“The commission subsequently met the two qualifying parties on September 9, 2026, to provide further guidance on their allocations and obligations under the law,” Zaloumis said.

The redistribution was done after the seven-day period for submitting party lists elapsed, she said, noting the seven days fell within the statutory 21-day timeframe for processing PR seats, which begins on the date the President-elect is sworn in.

“The responsibility to comply with the requirement to submit a party list rests with the qualifying political party,” Zaloumis said.

She urged public debate on electoral matters to be informed by law and facts, noting debate was expected as Zambia is implementing Mixed Member Proportional Representation for the first time, which introduced PR seats.

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