- NGOs, students, UPND hail Parley system for widening representation
PHILIP CHISALU,
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
STUDENT bodies and civil society organisations have welcomed the entry of 40 new Members of Parliament under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) system, describing the development as a significant step towards widening political representation.
The development has also drawn praise from the United Party for National Development (UPND), which says the implementation of Constitution Amendment Act Number 13 of 2025 has ushered in a more inclusive Parliament.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has validated the 40 MMPR legislators, who have since completed registration formalities at the National Assembly ahead of their swearing-in.
The new legislators include women, youths, persons with disabilities and six student representatives, marking a significant expansion of voices represented in Parliament.
National Institute of Public Administration Students Union president Vincent Sakala said President Hakainde Hichilema had fulfilled his commitment to integrating young people into national decision-making.
The newly-recognised lawmakers are Gabriel Simutowe, Mwanto Kabaso, Jemimah Mwaba, Michelo Chizombe, Vincent Musilikani and Lloyd Nsonga.
Addressing the media, Mr Sakala stated that President Hichilema has walked the talk by integrating youths into national decision-making.
Copperbelt University Students Union president Given Chipewo and University of Zambia Students Union president Amos Mwale also praised the Head of State as a listening leader fulfilling his youth representation commitments, while urging young people to champion the Grow Zambia Agenda.
Civil society organisations have enthusiastically welcomed the structural shift.
Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) executive director Anne Anamela expressed delight over the notable increase in female legislative representation.
She pointed out that when MMPR seats are combined with the 34 female directly elected MPs, alongside key leadership positions held by the Vice-President, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, total female representation in the House reaches 63 out of 281 seats.
This translates to 22.4 percent, a substantial leap from 15 percent in 2021 that surpasses the previous peak of 18 percent recorded in 2016.
Ms Anamela urged all female lawmakers to serve as fierce champions for women’s issues.
Among the newly registered MMPR legislators, UPND deputy secretary general Gertrude Imenda attracted significant attention as she assumed her duties. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
