Nalumango tables controversial Electoral Bill
By Mast Reporter
VICE-PRESIDENT Mutale Nalumango has tabled the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill No. 44 of 2026 before Parliament, which proposes sweeping changes to the electoral framework, including granting the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) powers to suspend political parties and candidates.
Presenting the bill yesterday, Nalumango said the proposed law seeks to amend the Electoral Process Act of 2016 to allow for the inspection of the Provisional Register of Voters and require the filing of an adoption certificate alongside nomination papers.
The bill also proposes to provide for the election and distribution of seats under the proportional representation electoral system, clarify the appointment, powers and duties of returning officers, provide for the filing of nomination petitions, and empower the ECZ to suspend political parties or candidates who breach the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The object of this bill is to provide for the election and distribution of seats under the proportional representation electoral system, the appointment of a returning officer and their powers and duties; the filing of a nomination petition; the power of the Commission to suspend a political party or candidate for breach of the Code of Conduct; and matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing,” Nalumango said.
First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Malungo Chisangano has since referred the bill to a Parliamentary Select Committee for scrutiny.
“The Committee is required to submit its report on the bill to the House in due course. Honourable members who wish to make submissions on the bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee,” Chisangano said.
