By Staff Reporter
The Technical Committee appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema on the amendments to the constitution has recommended parliamentary seats to be increased by 112, from the current 164 to 276.
The committee proposed to increase constituency held seats from 156 to 226, while the number for proportional representation has been proposed at 40 members of parliament, made up of 16 women, 12 youths and 12 for persons with disabilities, and the number of nominated MPs pegged at 10 from the current 8.
The justice Christopher Mushabati (retired) led committee also recommended for constitutional amendments to provide for the appointment of ministers from outside Parliament, subject to ratification.
The report dated November 25, 2025, suggested the establishment of a mixed member proportional representation system and increase in the number of constituencies.
They recommended for the first past the post system to be retained for members of parliament in constituency based seats, and the establishment of proportional representation through a parliamentary list system where voters choose a political party on the ballot rather than individual candidates.
They suggested to set a percentage of representation under the proportional system, using a closed party list alongside the number of constituency based seats.
The committee submitted that the current constitutional provisions on by-elections must be maintained, including the presidential nominations of MPs.
The committee recommended that Article 52(6) must be amended to gaurantee that elections continue even after a candidate’s resignation, and also to establish timelines for filing fresh nominations when required.
The suggested that the sponsoring party must be required to file fresh nominations in the event of a candidate’s death, but other candidates must be exempted from paying fees for fresh nominations in such cases.
The submitted that parliament must be dissolved 90 days before the holding of the next general elections but members of parliament shall be deemed to have served until a day before the next general election.
They stated that in such a scenario, the functions of ministers must be vested in the President after Parliament is dissolved.
The committee recommended for the 5-year two term limit to be maintained in the constitution, but there should be no term limits for MPs, while the two-term limit on the mayor’s must be lifted.
The committee recommended that Article 116(2) and 117(2) requiring ministers to vacate office when parliament is dissolved must be amended.
They recommended for the amendment of Article 73(3) to allow 30 days for appeals in parliamentary election petitions, and set a 30-day timeframe for the petitions to be heard and determined.
They suggested that MPs must be maintained out of the councils, and there should be continuity of the Attorney General and the Solicitor General until the successors assume office.
The committee stated that the qualification for a Secretary to Cabinet must be amended to ensure those with at least 4 years experience at director level in the civil service and at least 5 years experience at PS or equivalent rank qualified for the position.
They committee stated that Article 116 and 117 must be amended to provide for the appointment of ministers from outside Parliament, subject to ratification, and that tenure must be provided to remain in office until they were dismissed or replaced by the President.
They stated that there must be a correction and harmonisation of constitutional provisions to eliminate omissions, contradictions, and ambiguities in the electoral system and process;
“Amend Article 52 to add a clause allowing appeals of tribunal nomination decisions to the Constitutional Court within 7 days, and determined within 21 days; Delimitation and delineation of constituencies and wards to be carried out through a transparent process when creating new constituencies; Amend Article 68 to increase the number of seats in the National Assembly, and ensure the figure is fixed in the constitution,” stated the committed. “Amend Articles 47 and 68 to introduce a mixed member representation system in the National Assembly, ensuring seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as follows: (i)two hundred and twenty-six Members of Parliament holding constituency-based seats; forty Members of Parliament holding reserved seats as follows: forty Members of Parliament holding reserved seats as follows: 16 women, 12 youths and 12 women with disabilities, not more that 10 nominated members of parliament, the Vice-President, the Speaker, the Deputy and Second deputy speaker. Repeal and replace Article 58(5) to read: The Electoral Commission must, at not more than 10 years intervals, review and, where necessary, rename and adjust boundaries of constituencies and wards; Amend Articles 47 and 68 to establish a Mixed Member Proportional Representation system and increase the number of constituencies.”
