Pressure is mounting on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to publicly explain the criteria it used to identify 70 new constituencies following the launch of the 2026 delimitation exercise, an initiative that has already attracted intense political scrutiny ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Governance activist Brebner Changala has challenged the Commission to disclose, in full, the methodology applied in arriving at the number and placement of the new constituencies, warning that secrecy around such a sensitive national process risks undermining public confidence in the electoral system.

Changala said the creation of additional constituencies, announced as part of the implementation of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, required maximum transparency because of its direct impact on voter representation and parliamentary balance.

He argued that delimitation was not a technical exercise that could be insulated from public scrutiny, but a constitutional process whose legitimacy depended on openness, consultation, and clear justification.

The Commission formally launched the delimitation exercise in Lusaka on Friday, stating that 70 new constituencies would be added to the existing number. ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis indicated that the names and boundaries of the new constituencies would be published in the Government Gazette by April 15, 2026, with district-level meetings scheduled between February 16 and February 20.

Despite those assurances, Changala said the Commission had so far failed to explain what demographic, geographic, or administrative benchmarks were used to reach the figure of 70, and why the exercise was being conducted after voter registration rather than before.

He warned that without clear disclosure, the process would be viewed as politically motivated, particularly in an election year.

Changala went further, accusing the Commission of acting in a manner that could advantage the ruling party by reshaping electoral boundaries in its favour. He said the current composition of the Commission had raised serious credibility concerns among opposition parties and sections of civil society.

He called on President Hakainde Hichilema to dissolve the existing ECZ board, arguing that allowing it to continue operating without addressing transparency concerns could push the country toward electoral instability.

Opposition political parties have echoed those concerns, questioning whether the Commission can deliver a credible election while overseeing a delimitation process whose details remain unclear. Some opposition leaders have warned that disputed boundary changes could fuel rejection of election outcomes if grievances are not addressed early.

During the launch of the exercise at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the Commission maintained that it remained committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible election. Zaloumis said the institution would engage stakeholders during the district consultations and that public participation was built into the process.

However, critics argue that consultation after key decisions have already been made does not amount to meaningful participation. They insist that the Commission should have published its full delimitation report, including population data, voter distribution figures, and administrative considerations, before announcing the number of constituencies.

Concerns have also been raised about timing. Legal experts and political stakeholders have questioned why delimitation was initiated after voter registration had already taken place, warning that this could result in voter confusion and inaccurate voter records tied to outdated constituency boundaries.

With less than seven months remaining before the general elections, the delimitation exercise has quickly become one of the most contentious governance issues in the country. While the Commission insists it is acting within the law, the absence of detailed public explanations continues to fuel suspicion.

As political temperatures rise, pressure on ECZ to publish its criteria is expected to intensify, with stakeholders demanding clarity before the process moves further forward.

Mwamba Petitions Africa Bar Association Over Alleged Judicial Collusion

Opposition figure Emmanuel Mwamba has formally written to the Africa Bar Association alleging that Zambia’s Judiciary is colluding with the Executive in a manner that undermines judicial independence, democratic governance, and the rule of law.

In the letter addressed to AfBA President High Chief Ibrahim Eddy Mark and dated January 30, 2026, Mwamba names Chief Justice Mumba Malila as the principal focus of his complaint, citing the Chief Justice’s constitutional role as head of the Judiciary. Mwamba contends that Malila has failed to safeguard the separation of powers, arguing that the Judiciary has not remained co-equal and independent from the Executive as required under the Constitution.

The correspondence frames Zambia as historically peaceful and democratic, pointing to past electoral transitions, while asserting that developments since 2021 have placed that record at risk. Mwamba references concerns raised by international and domestic institutions, including human rights bodies, church organisations, and professional associations, which he says have warned of shrinking democratic space and weakened institutional independence.

According to the letter, Mwamba alleges that the Judiciary has failed to protect decisional independence, describing a climate in which judges are purportedly unable to render decisions free from external pressure or fear of reprisal. He further claims that judicial processes involving opposition figures have been characterised by delays, transfers of magistrates, and outcomes that disadvantage political opponents.

A significant portion of the complaint centres on litigation affecting the Patriotic Front (PF), Mwamba’s party. He alleges that actions taken through the Registrar of Societies, Parliament, and the courts altered PF leadership structures and parliamentary positions in ways that favoured the ruling party. He contends that attempts to challenge these developments through the courts were frustrated by procedural delays and judicial conduct that, in his view, impeded effective remedies.

Mwamba also raises concerns over the dismissal of three Constitutional Court judges in 2023, linking those removals to proceedings concerning the eligibility of former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu to contest future elections. He refers to the Constitutional Court case of Michelo Chizombe v. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Others (2023/CCZ/0021), which resulted in a ruling that barred Lungu from standing in subsequent presidential elections. Mwamba argues that the decision marked a departure from prior court positions and had immediate implications for opposition participation ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In the letter, Mwamba further criticises a range of government actions, including the enactment of cyber security legislation that he says restricts freedom of expression, the continued application of the Public Order Act, and what he describes as selective enforcement against opposition members. He also questions the neutrality of public media coverage and raises concerns about the composition and independence of electoral management bodies.

The letter outlines a series of conditions Mwamba says are necessary to ensure credible elections, including full participation of opposition parties, protection of fundamental freedoms, impartial institutions, equal access to public media, and enhanced voter education. He urges AfBA to take a “keen interest” in Zambia’s situation, warning that unresolved issues could threaten peace, security, and democratic stability.

The Africa Bar Association describes itself as a continental body that represents the legal profession in Africa, with a mandate focused on the rule of law, judicial independence, and human rights. Mwamba’s complaint asks the association to consider his allegations within that mandate.

The letter concludes with Mwamba signing in his capacity as Chairperson of Information and Publicity and Member of the Central Committee of the Patriotic Front, and is presented as a formal appeal for regional legal attention to Zambia’s judicial and constitutional environment.

Click here LETTER TO AFRICA BAR 6

A Vote of Confidence for President Hakainde Hichilema’s Leadership

Zambia’s political history has often been shaped by moments of uncertainty, economic strain, and competing national expectations. Against that backdrop, President Hakainde Hichilema’s tenure has come to represent a decisive shift toward stability, reform, and a renewed sense of direction. For many citizens, his leadership has emerged as a source of reassurance at a time when clarity and discipline in governance matter most.

From the outset, President Hichilema signalled that his administration would be anchored on order, transparency, and institutional respect. That posture has helped restore confidence in the state, both domestically and internationally. Public discourse has become calmer, state institutions more predictable, and political engagement less confrontational. These may appear intangible, but they form the bedrock upon which lasting development is built.

Economic Recovery with Discipline

The administration’s most visible test has been the economy. Inheriting a country burdened by debt distress, weak investor confidence, and constrained fiscal space, the task was never going to be easy. Yet the focus on reform has been deliberate and consistent. Efforts to stabilise public finances, clean up revenue systems, and re-engage international partners have begun to change the narrative around Zambia’s economic prospects.

While challenges remain, early signs of resilience are evident. Inflationary pressures have been managed with greater policy coordination, investor sentiment has improved, and economic management has become more predictable. The emphasis has been less on quick political wins and more on restoring credibility, a choice that reflects long-term thinking rather than short-term populism.

Peace, Stability, and National Cohesion

Equally important has been the administration’s firm commitment to peace and stability. Zambia has long prided itself on being a peaceful nation, and that tradition has been carefully preserved. The tone from the Presidency has been conciliatory, measured, and inclusive, reinforcing national unity rather than deepening divisions.

By prioritising dialogue and reconciliation, the President has helped create an environment where political differences do not translate into social tension. This stability has strengthened Zambia’s standing in the region and provided a reliable platform for investment, growth, and social development.

A Clear Development Vision

President Hichilema’s development agenda is grounded in practical priorities. Agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure have been positioned as engines of growth, not as slogans but as sectors with measurable potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods. Alongside this, social investments in education, healthcare, and water access reflect an understanding that economic progress must translate into everyday improvements for citizens.

These efforts speak to a broader vision of development that balances macroeconomic reform with human development, ensuring that growth is not abstract but felt across communities.

Leadership That Listens

Perhaps one of the most defining features of President Hichilema’s leadership has been his emphasis on accountability and responsiveness. Governance has been framed as a service, not a privilege. The willingness to engage, listen, and adjust has reinforced the idea that leadership exists to serve the people, not the other way around.

This approach has strengthened public trust and reinforced democratic norms that are essential for long-term national progress.

Looking Ahead

Zambia’s journey is far from complete, and no administration is without its challenges. Yet, taken together, the direction of leadership, the tone of governance, and the consistency of reform provide strong grounds for confidence. President Hakainde Hichilema’s stewardship has laid a credible foundation for stability, growth, and institutional renewal.

As the country moves forward, that foundation offers Zambia a genuine opportunity to consolidate gains and pursue a more prosperous, inclusive future.

By Moonga D.