ECZ Validates 40 Proportional Representation Members

Members nominated to the National Assembly under the mixed-member proportional representation system have appeared before the Electoral Commission of Zambia for validation, clearing the way for their formal consideration as representatives in the House.

The Commission is validating 40 candidates in total. Of these, 20 are women, 15 are youths and five are persons with disabilities — the composition set out when the proportional representation seats were created.

Among those who appeared was Fongo Mubanga, a person with a visual disability nominated by the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity. Francis Kope, a member of the UPND National Management Committee and a representative of persons with disabilities, also came before the panel.

Former University of Zambia Students' Union vice-president Jemaimah Mwaba underwent the process, as did UPND deputy secretary general Getrude Imenda.

The validation marks the final administrative step before the new members take their places, and completes the practical work of filling seats that until this year did not exist in the Zambian Parliament.