President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated Dr Nelly B.K. Mutti and her two deputies, calling for unity, accountability and impartial leadership as Zambia prepares to begin a new parliamentary session.
In a statement posted on Facebook by the President, Hichilema said the country’s Parliament now includes proportional representation for women, youths and persons with disabilities, describing the development as a reflection of Zambia’s diversity.
“Today at State House, we formally approved the election of the Right Honourable Dr Nelly B.K. Mutti as Speaker of the National Assembly,” the President stated, while congratulating Dr Mutti and the two deputy speakers on their leadership roles.
Hichilema expressed confidence in the leadership of the Speaker and her deputies, urging Members of Parliament to work together in promoting national unity, strengthening accountability and enacting laws that support the country’s development agenda.
He said Parliament should remain focused on legislation that advances what he described as the Grow Zambia Agenda, while ensuring that the interests of citizens remain central to national decision-making.
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The President also highlighted the inclusion of women, young people and persons with disabilities in the parliamentary representation system, marking a change in how these groups are represented in the National Assembly.
Under Zambia’s amended Constitution, the National Assembly includes 40 proportional representation seats allocated as follows: 20 for women, 15 for youths and five for persons with disabilities. These seats complement the constituency-based seats in Parliament.
The introduction of the system is intended to broaden representation and provide these groups with guaranteed opportunities to participate in national legislative affairs.
Hichilema further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the separation of powers and the independence of Parliament, emphasising the importance of maintaining distinct roles between the Executive and the Legislature.
His remarks come as Zambia’s Fourteenth National Assembly begins its new parliamentary term. Reports published on October 2, 2026, indicated that the Assembly was scheduled to elect its Speaker and two deputy speakers. Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Speaker is elected by Members of Parliament through a secret ballot.
The President’s statement places emphasis on the need for cooperation among lawmakers while preserving Parliament’s constitutional independence.
As the new Assembly undertakes its legislative responsibilities, attention will be on how the expanded representation system works in practice and how lawmakers address issues affecting women, youths, persons with disabilities and the wider population.
The President called on all Members of Parliament to promote unity, uphold accountability and support legislation that contributes to Zambia’s development, while respecting the independence of the country’s democratic institutions.
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