We had no choice but to reallocate vacant PR seats after NRPUP failed to submit list – ECZ
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it had no choice but to reallocate vacant proportional representation (PR) seats after the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) failed to submit its list of nominees within the time allowed by law.
ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis disclosed that the law requires the commission to redistribute such seats to other qualifying political parties when a party fails to submit its list within seven days of being notified of its allocation.
Zaloumis said this yesterday during a media briefing in Lusaka, amid public debate over the redistribution of PR seats following the August 13, general election.
She said only two political parties, the UPND and NRPUP, qualified for PR seats out of the 13 parties that participated in the general election.
Zaloumis said the commission notified the two parties of their allocations, submission deadlines and nomination requirements on September 7, 2026, before meeting them two days later to provide further guidance.
She said Section 36C(9) of the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026 provides for the redistribution of vacant seats when a qualifying party fails to submit its list within the prescribed period.
“I wish to emphasise the use of the word ‘shall’ in this provision; placing an obligation on the Commission to act in accordance with the prescribed legal provision when the circumstances contemplated under this provision arise,” Zaloumis said.
She explained that the law provides 21 days to complete the PR seat allocation process, with the first seven days reserved for the commission to distribute seats and notify qualifying parties.
The next seven days are for the parties to submit their lists of nominees, while the final seven days are for the ECZ to process and validate the candidates.
Zaloumis said the redistribution followed NRPUP’s failure to fulfil its legal obligation to submit the required list within the prescribed period.
“The Commission did not redistribute seats on the basis of political preference,” she said.
Zaloumis rejected allegations that the decision involved political collusion, deliberate manipulation or favouritism, insisting that the commission could neither award seats as political favours nor ignore the law.
She acknowledged that the introduction of the mixed-member proportional representation system had generated public interest, as it was the first time Zambia was using the system.
Zaloumis said political parties and members of the public had the right to question electoral decisions, but urged them to base their arguments on the law and facts.
She also clarified that PR seats are allocated to qualifying political parties and not political alliances, adding that the commission deals with political parties registered with the Registrar of Societies.
By George Musonda
Kalemba October 15, 2026