Veteran politician Prince Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika has written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia expressing concern about the ongoing constituency delimitation exercise and the planned expansion of parliamentary seats ahead of the August 13, 2026 general elections.

In his communication addressed to the ECZ Chairperson, the senior citizen questions the transparency, timelines and criteria guiding the exercise, which follows constitutional amendments increasing the number of constituencies from 156 to 226. He warns that the process is unfolding within a compressed electoral calendar, raising questions about governance standards and democratic accountability.

The letter has been circulated to several senior offices, including members of the Constitutional Court, the Minister of Justice, the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Chairperson of the Law Association of Zambia. The move reflects an attempt to elevate the matter beyond administrative channels and into broader institutional scrutiny.

Prince Akashambatwa notes that delimitation is taking place less than a year before the next general election, a timeframe he believes requires careful examination. He states that boundary adjustments influence political representation and voter confidence, making clarity in procedure essential.

Drawing from what he describes as a multidisciplinary academic background in history, political science, public administration, international affairs, Africana studies, development administration and economic development, the veteran leader frames his intervention as both professional and civic. He refers to experience accumulated through roles in government, parastatal institutions, private sector engagements and traditional leadership structures, alongside participation in an electoral review commission.

Central to his concerns are allegations of limited transparency and insufficient consultation. He questions whether stakeholders have received adequate information on how demographic data is being used to redraw constituencies. The issue of population equality also features prominently, with emphasis placed on fair representation and balanced allocation of new parliamentary seats across districts.

Prince Akashambatwa raises the risk of partisan gerrymandering if clear safeguards are not communicated. He stresses that boundary changes must be anchored in objective demographic and administrative criteria rather than political advantage. According to his letter, the legitimacy of the 2026 electoral process could be influenced by how openly the delimitation exercise is conducted.

Among the proposals put forward are the publication of the 2019 Delimitation Report and disclosure of the demographic formula used in determining constituency boundaries. He also calls for the extension of consultation timelines to allow broader public participation and institutional input.

The veteran politician recommends that voter registration be reopened and extended to accommodate adjustments arising from the new constituency structure. He also proposes that draft constituency maps be released for public review, allowing citizens and stakeholders to examine how districts may be affected before final decisions are made.

Another suggestion involves the establishment of clear and objective criteria guiding the allocation of new constituencies to districts. He argues that transparent benchmarks would help reduce uncertainty and strengthen confidence in the electoral framework.

The intervention adds a new dimension to national conversation surrounding constitutional reforms and electoral preparations. Boundary delimitation remains a technical process with wide political implications, touching on representation, governance and institutional credibility.

Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has rejected allegations suggesting that government officials promoted claims that former president Edgar Lungu had been poisoned, stating that the narrative originated from Patriotic Front members themselves.

According to the report, Mweetwa said government institutions had no role in circulating such claims and described the allegations as political rhetoric emerging from opposition circles. He said the administration remained focused on governance matters and warned against the spread of unverified information capable of misleading the public.

Mweetwa’s remarks appeared amid continued political exchanges involving statements about Lungu’s health and political standing. Public discussion around the issue has intensified across political platforms, prompting responses from leaders seeking to clarify their positions. The minister said that responsibility for statements made in the public domain rests with those advancing them, stressing that the government’s role is to provide accurate information.

The report indicates that the controversy developed following comments attributed to Patriotic Front members, which sparked debate among supporters of different political parties. Mweetwa said the administration had not endorsed or repeated any poisoning narrative and urged political actors to exercise caution when addressing sensitive matters involving former national leaders.

Political exchanges surrounding Lungu have remained a recurring theme in Zambia’s media space, with statements from both ruling party figures and opposition members shaping the national conversation. Mweetwa’s response adds to a series of government clarifications aimed at addressing claims circulating within political discourse.

During his remarks, the minister emphasised the importance of responsible communication, stating that leaders should rely on verified facts when discussing national issues. He said political competition should not result in the spread of information that lacks credible backing, noting that inaccurate claims have the potential to create confusion among citizens.

The development comes at a time when Zambia’s political environment continues to experience heightened debate ahead of electoral milestones. Statements by senior figures often attract immediate reactions from rival parties, reflecting a political climate where messaging plays a central role in shaping public perception.

Mweetwa said the government remains committed to maintaining stability and transparency, adding that discussions involving former leaders should be approached with respect and factual accuracy. His comments underline the administration’s position that public discourse must be grounded in verifiable information rather than speculation.

The minister reiterated that government priorities include policy implementation and national development, urging political actors to avoid narratives that could distract from issues affecting citizens. His remarks form part of ongoing efforts by the administration to address political statements circulating in national media.

Government has maintained that it remains committed to bringing the body of late former President Edgar Lungu back to Zambia for burial, with Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu telling Parliament that disagreements with the family over procedures are the main reason the process has stalled.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Mwiimbu said authorities had made several attempts to engage the family and facilitate the return of the body. He stated that emissaries were sent to South Africa to hold discussions aimed at ensuring that Lungu receives a dignified funeral in his homeland. According to the minister, government turned to legal action only after negotiations failed to reach consensus.

Mwiimbu told lawmakers that the administration has consistently expressed a desire to repatriate the remains, adding that the delays were linked to demands raised by the family regarding burial arrangements. He said government’s position is to act on behalf of the Zambian people by ensuring the former head of state is buried in Zambia.

The minister also addressed allegations surrounding the circumstances of Lungu’s death, stating that claims of poisoning were not initiated by government. He said the assertions were made by opposition figures and that such allegations prompted law enforcement processes in South Africa. Mwiimbu indicated that once claims of poisoning entered the public domain, authorities had an obligation to allow investigative procedures to take their course.

Developments in South Africa have drawn increased attention after reports emerged that local authorities sought further verification relating to the body. The matter has added a legal dimension to what was initially presented as a family dispute over funeral arrangements. While officials have not provided detailed public updates on every procedural step, the situation has placed the burial process within a broader legal framework involving both countries.

Government has continued to stress that its intention is to provide a dignified funeral that reflects Lungu’s status as a former head of state. Mwiimbu told Parliament that the administration has “nothing to hide” and remains open to resolving the matter through lawful means. He argued that prolonged disagreements have allowed political narratives to overshadow what he described as a national responsibility.

The burial issue has generated strong public interest, with many citizens calling for clarity about the timeline and conditions surrounding the repatriation of the body. The dispute has also raised questions about how state protocol interacts with family wishes when a former president dies outside the country.

Officials have emphasised that engagement with the family remains ongoing, despite legal proceedings. Government representatives have reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred route toward resolving outstanding concerns, though court processes have now become part of the effort to conclude the matter.

The situation marks one of the most sensitive political moments since Lungu’s passing, as grief, legal considerations and political tension intersect. Parliamentary exchanges around the issue reflect the weight placed on ensuring a respectful conclusion while addressing competing narratives about responsibility for the delay.

For now, the repatriation of Lungu’s remains remains subject to ongoing legal and diplomatic processes. Government maintains that its objective is to bring the former president home and conclude the burial in a manner it says honours both national tradition and constitutional duty.