Stakeholders urged to remain patient as Zambia awaits announcement of 70 new constituencies
The Consortium of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) has called for patience and objectivity among stakeholders as the country awaits the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) announcement of 70 new constituencies under the ongoing delimitation exercise aimed at improving electoral representation.
The appeal was made at the close of the Southern Province delimitation sittings, where civil society and electoral officials reviewed submissions from various districts seeking consideration in the constituency creation process. The exercise forms part of ECZ’s nationwide effort to realign constituencies in response to population changes and administrative needs.
CCSO Chairperson Isaac Mwanza commended the ECZ for conducting what he described as a transparent and inclusive process that involved multiple stakeholders.
“We wish to commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia for conducting the delimitation process in an open and consultative manner,” Mr Mwanza said. “Transparency strengthens public confidence in the electoral system and encourages citizens to take ownership of the vote.”
Mr Mwanza, however, reminded stakeholders that expectations must be managed, noting that only a limited number of constituencies would be created at this stage.
“Not every district will be considered during this phase because the proposal currently provides for only 70 new constituencies,” he said. “It is therefore important for stakeholders to remain objective and patient as the Commission finalises its work.”
Meanwhile, ECZ Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda assured districts that failed to reach consensus during their submissions that their views would still be evaluated.
“Even where consensus was not achieved during the sittings, all submissions made by districts will still be taken into account by the Commission,” Major General Mukanda said.
He added that the ECZ had clearly communicated the criteria required for districts to qualify for delimitation consideration.
“We have outlined the benchmarks districts must meet, including population thresholds and administrative factors, to ensure the process remains fair and evidence-based,” he said.
ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis also urged District Electoral Officers across the country to remain vigilant as the delimitation process progresses toward the electoral cycle.
“Election periods often come with various operational and administrative challenges, and officers must remain alert and prepared at all times,” Ms Zaloumis said.
The creation of the 70 new constituencies is expected to enhance representation and improve electoral management once the final list is officially announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.