ECZ says districts seeking constituencies exceed available allocation

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has disclosed that districts across the country are requesting more constituencies than the 70 additional seats currently proposed under the ongoing delimitation exercise, highlighting the growing pressure on the electoral body as it works within constitutional guidelines.

According to the commission, submissions from stakeholders during consultation meetings have reflected strong demands for increased representation, with several districts arguing that population growth and geographical challenges justify the creation of additional constituencies beyond the proposed allocation. ECZ officials explained that while the requests demonstrate public interest in the process, the commission remains bound by legal provisions governing how new constituencies can be created.

The delimitation exercise forms part of broader electoral reforms aimed at adjusting constituency boundaries to reflect demographic changes and improve access to representation. Officials indicated that public hearings and consultations were conducted across multiple provinces to gather views from traditional leaders, civic organisations and community representatives.

ECZ representatives said many districts have presented cases based on distance to polling stations, population density and administrative challenges faced by residents seeking services from elected officials. Some stakeholders argued that existing constituencies have become too large to manage effectively, prompting calls for additional seats.

Despite these requests, the commission stated that its mandate requires balancing competing interests while adhering to constitutional requirements. Officials noted that the proposal for 70 new constituencies emerged after technical assessments conducted by the commission’s delimitation team, which examined population statistics and geographic considerations.

The commission emphasised that delimitation is a technical process rather than a political exercise, stressing that decisions will be guided by evidence gathered during consultations. ECZ officials said the commission has received submissions from various districts outlining reasons for seeking new constituencies, including challenges linked to infrastructure, transport and service delivery.

Public engagement sessions have drawn significant participation, with community members expressing views on how constituency boundaries affect access to development programmes. Some stakeholders have urged the commission to consider local realities, particularly in remote areas where long travel distances can limit engagement between constituents and elected representatives.

Officials indicated that the next phase of the delimitation process will involve reviewing submissions alongside demographic data before final recommendations are compiled. The commission said it remains committed to transparency throughout the exercise and will continue engaging stakeholders as the process advances.

The ECZ also reminded stakeholders that delimitation outcomes must align with constitutional provisions, including population thresholds and geographic considerations. While acknowledging the volume of requests received, officials reiterated that the commission must operate within the legal framework established for electoral reforms.

The delimitation exercise has sparked broader national discussion about representation and governance, with various groups advocating for adjustments that reflect Zambia’s evolving population landscape. ECZ officials said the process aims to ensure that constituency boundaries remain responsive to demographic realities while maintaining fairness and equity across the country.

The commission confirmed that consultations remain ongoing and that final decisions will follow technical evaluation of all submissions received from districts seeking additional constituencies.