Disability rights organisation Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) has described the nomination of Persons with Disabilities to the National Assembly through the Proportional Representation (PR) system as a historic milestone for Zambia.
BSLT President Ntalasha Chisha said the move gives practical effect to Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which guarantees full and effective participation in political and public life.
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BSLT has commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the Government for constitutional reforms that have created dedicated seats for women, youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Under the amended Constitution, five seats in the National Assembly are reserved for Persons with Disabilities under the PR system, with similar provision made for local government councils.
“This milestone goes beyond Parliament. The amended Constitution also provides for proportional representation within local government councils,” Chisha said.
“This is particularly significant because many decisions that directly affect the daily lives of Persons with Disabilities from accessibility and infrastructure to social services and community development are made at the local level.”
Chisha said the development was more than the creation of seats, but the opening of doors to meaningful participation at both national and grassroots levels.
“Persons with disabilities must not only be spoken about; we must be present where decisions are made,” he said.
BSLT has congratulated colleagues nominated through the PR system, describing it as both an honour and a responsibility.
The organization has called on the nominated representatives to champion accessibility, inclusive education, employment, economic empowerment, healthcare, social protection and equal opportunities.
“This is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter in disability inclusion and political participation in Zambia,” Chisha said.
“Our representation must not end at Parliament. It must reach our councils, our communities and every level where decisions affecting our lives are made. Representation matters. Inclusion matters. Our voices matter,” he added.
Francis Chipalo
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