Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, has clarified that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)—and not President Hakainde Hichilema or the United Party for National Development (UPND)—will have the mandate to determine how constituencies will be divided if proposed amendments to Articles 58 and 68 of the Zambian Constitution are approved.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Mweetwa stressed that the proposed changes are aimed at enhancing governance and improving service delivery at the constituency level. He explained that some constituencies in Zambia have significantly larger populations than others, making it challenging to ensure fair distribution of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other public resources. By restructuring these constituencies, he noted, the government hopes to reduce disparities and ensure that all communities receive adequate attention and development support.
Furthermore, Mr. Mweetwa dismissed concerns that the proposed amendments are politically motivated, emphasizing that the process will be handled independently by the ECZ. He reassured the public that the decision to divide any constituency will be based on population size and developmental needs, rather than political considerations.
He urged church leaders, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning Zambians to support the constitutional amendments, as they are designed to promote equitable development and enhance democratic representation. The minister emphasized that public participation and national consensus are key to ensuring that Zambia’s democratic institutions remain strong and effective.
The proposed amendments to Articles 58 and 68 have sparked debate among stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about their potential implications on the country’s electoral landscape. However, the government maintains that the changes will bring governance closer to the people and allow for better allocation of resources, particularly in densely populated constituencies that currently face difficulties in accessing development funding.
As discussions on the amendments continue, the government has reiterated its commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process, ensuring that all voices are heard before any final decisions are made.
By Elfie Mwale Shampande
