….70 new constituencies, showcasing fair delimitation
The Editor Zambia
Electoral stakeholders have praised the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for conducting the delimitation exercise professionally. 
The outcome of the ECZ delimitation programme is contrary to assertions by doomsayers that the exercise was meant to benefit the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Commission has proved critics wrong by delivering the most significant and balanced delimitation of constituencies in history.
Analysts say the exercise was commendable as it aims to enhance democratic representation.
When the delimitation exercise was embarked on, opposition political parties and some civil society groups opposed the idea and raised concerns that the ECZ delimitation exercise was designed to create more constituencies in regions where the ruling party was deemed strong.
The Oasis Forum, led by former Law Association of Zambia president Lungisani Zulu and NGOCC chairperson Beauty Katebe, were loud, misleading Zambians, claiming that the delimitation exercise of constituencies would only benefit one region.
Contrary to this view, 70 new constituencies have been equitably shared based on population, geographical realities, and cultural cohesion.
Stakeholders have expressed support for the ECZ for addressing some practical challenges brought up by the opposition political parties.
The delimitation outcome has also disproved claims that some provinces had pre-allocated a fixed number of constituencies before the consultative process.
These allegations by the opposition political parties were meant to derail the process and mislead the public.
Eastern Province, which is not a predominant traditional stronghold for the ruling party, has received an additional nine new constituencies.
The commission created nine new constituencies in Southern, eight in Central and Copperbelt provinces, while North-Western and Western provinces have seven each. Lusaka, Muchinga, and Northern provinces have six each, while Luapula has the least five new constituencies.
This is the reason Zambians should not trust opposition political leaders like Brian Mundubile, Bredner Changala, Sishuwa Shishuwa, and John Sangwa, who opposed the process that has brought leadership closer to the people.
Zambians should critically evaluate politicians and reject those whose agendas appear divisive, self-serving, or harmful to national unity and development.
Instead of focusing on propaganda and blackmail, leaders should prioritize economic improvement, service delivery, and constructive solutions to improve citizen welfare.
The ECZ deserves commendation and support from all peace loving Zambians to deliver.
Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) Programme Director Peter Mwanangombe has commended the ECZ for strictly following procedures and maintaining transparency throughout the exercise.
GEARS Initiative Chairperson Lackson Lungu has expressed optimism, noting that the final results appear to reflect fairness and adhere to constitutional guidelines.
Opposition DPP leader Antonio Mwanza said the new 70 constituencies have equitably been shared based on population, geographical realities, and cultural cohesion.
Saboi Imboela said the delimitation exercise was done well and fairly.
Civil Society and Traditional Leaders representatives from various districts, including Mungwi and Kasama, lauded the Commission for its inclusive consultation process, which brought leadership closer to the people.
This is another testament that under President Hakainde Hichilema, institutions of governance are independent and not influenced by the executive.
