Lusaka: In a move stirring political debate across the nation, President Hakainde Hichilema has signed into law a constitutional amendment that significantly increases the number of seats in Zambia’s National Assembly, just eight months before the country’s general elections. The legislation, passed by the National Assembly earlier this month, expands the parliament from 167 to approximately 280 seats, reshaping Zambia’s legislative framework and raising questions about timing and political advantage.
The constitutional amendments introduce several notable changes to Zambia’s legislative system. The number of parliamentary constituencies has been increased to allow for greater geographic representation, particularly in densely populated areas. In addition, 40 seats have been reserved for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, a measure intended to enhance inclusivity and broaden participation in governance. The President’s power to appoint members of parliament has also been strengthened, with the number of presidential appointees rising from eight to 11, allowing the executive greater influence in the legislative process.
President Hichilema defended the reforms, stating they aim to improve governance and ensure that elected officials are more responsive to their constituents. He described the changes as a “necessary step to strengthen representative democracy,” emphasizing that the redrawn constituencies would facilitate more effective service delivery and engagement between parliamentarians and local communities.
Despite official assurances, the law’s enactment has prompted criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and analysts, who argue that its timing just months before the August 2026 elections could give an advantage to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Critics suggest that the creation of new constituencies in areas of strong UPND support may be used to consolidate political power and influence electoral outcomes.
Civil rights advocate Brebner Changala noted that the expanded parliament could skew representation in favor of the ruling party. “Redistricting this close to an election raises legitimate concerns about fairness and the balance of power,” he told Reuters. Opposition parties have also expressed worry that the increased size of parliament will raise government spending at a time when Zambia is still grappling with economic challenges and rising public debt.
The constitutional amendment followed months of parliamentary debate and legal scrutiny. Questions had been raised regarding public consultation and compliance with Zambia’s constitutional procedures. Nevertheless, the bill passed with overwhelming legislative support and received presidential assent on Thursday, officially bringing the reforms into force.
Observers note that these changes represent one of the most significant alterations to Zambia’s political system in decades. The expansion of parliamentary seats and the reservation of positions for underrepresented groups signal an attempt to modernize governance, even as critics warn about potential political manipulation.
With the next general election scheduled for August 13, 2026, the expanded National Assembly is expected to reshape political strategies, candidate selection, and voter mobilization efforts. Analysts predict heightened scrutiny of the election process as Zambians and international observers watch closely to see how the newly structured parliament will affect democratic representation.
Zambia, a southern African nation with roughly 22 million inhabitants, has a history of multiparty politics, but rising tensions ahead of elections have fueled concerns over fairness, transparency, and institutional checks and balances. As the country prepares for its next vote, the impact of President Hichilema’s parliamentary expansion is likely to be a defining feature of Zambia’s political landscape.