The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially announced the creation of 70 new constituencies ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election, marking the biggest delimitation exercise in the country’s history.
ECZ Chairperson Mrs. Mwangala Zaloumis SC made the announcement on April 16, 2026, during a briefing held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) in Lusaka.
Mrs. Zaloumis described the development as a major milestone in Zambia’s constitutional and electoral process, saying the move is meant to strengthen democracy and improve representation by bringing leadership closer to the people.
Process Rooted in Law and Public Participation
Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the process was anchored on the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, which increased the number of constituency-based seats from 156 to 226, giving ECZ the mandate to undertake a nationwide delimitation exercise.
She stated that the Commission launched the exercise in February 2026 and conducted consultations in all 116 districts, where citizens and stakeholders made submissions based on factors such as surface area, population growth, accessibility, geography, remoteness, and community cohesiveness.
The Chairperson said the district consultations later progressed to provincial sittings which began in Southern Province in March 2026, where reports were further scrutinized by provincial stakeholders.
ECZ Dismisses Claims of Pre-Allocation
Mrs. Zaloumis also dismissed misinformation suggesting that certain provinces or districts were pre-allocated a fixed number of constituencies before consultations ended.
She said such claims were “false and misleading,” adding that ECZ remained committed to transparency and impartiality throughout the entire process.
Biggest Delimitation Exercise in Zambia’s History
The ECZ Chairperson noted that Zambia has never before created such a large number of constituencies at once, describing the exercise as unprecedented.
She reminded the nation that Zambia had 75 constituencies at independence, which later increased gradually through various reforms, with the last major adjustment occurring in 2014 when six constituencies were added through district creation.
“This is unprecedented. This is a feat which the nation should celebrate,” Mrs. Zaloumis said.
List of the 70 New Constituencies
Mrs. Zaloumis announced the new constituencies by province as follows:
Central Province (8)
Keembe West, Mwomboshi, Bwacha South, Kapiri Mposhi West, Mkushi South, Mumbwa West, Nkundalila, Mwembezhi West.
Copperbelt Province (7)
Konkola, Chingola West, Chambishi, Lufwanyama East, Kalalangabo, Mpongwe East, Dag Hammerskjoeld.
Eastern Province (9)
Chadiza East, Chama Central, Chasefu North, Chipangali West, Chipata North, Lumezi South, Lusangazi Central, Malambo West, Nyimba North.
Luapula Province (5)
Kalungwishi, Chifunabuli North, Luongo, Mansa East, Mweru.
Lusaka Province (6)
Chilanga North, Chongwe West, Kafue East, Makeni, Roma, Lima.
Muchinga Province (6)
Chilinda, Nkombwa, Lwitikila, Mafinga South, Mpika South, Mwenzo.
Northern Province (6)
Kundabwika, Kasama North, Luwingu Central, Saise, Mpulungu South, Mpanda.
North-Western Province (7)
Kabompo West, Lumwana, Mufwashi, Dongwe, Mwinilunga East, Solwezi North, Zambezi Central.
Southern Province (9)
Choma South, Itezhi-Tezhi West, Kalomo South, Kazungula North, Maramba, Magoye West, Monze East, Namwala East, Kariba.
Western Province (7)
Kalabo South, Luampa West, Lukulu South, Mongu East, Senanga North, Sesheke West, Shangombo North.
Provincial Allocation Summary
Mrs. Zaloumis disclosed that the new constituencies have increased Zambia’s total constituencies from 156 to 226, with Eastern Province, Southern Province and Copperbelt Province each gaining significant additions.
Call for Peace and Acceptance
Mrs. Zaloumis acknowledged that the delimitation outcome may not satisfy everyone, but emphasized that the exercise was based on constitutional criteria and balanced national needs.
She urged citizens to embrace the new constituencies peacefully and recognize the importance of representation in strengthening democracy.
“It is the Commission’s hope that the announcement we have made today shall strengthen confidence, deepen inclusion and reaffirm that in Zambia, constitutionalism remains the foundation of our democracy,” she said.
