Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has approved constitutional amendments that significantly expand the size of parliament, a move that has drawn criticism months before the country heads into national elections.
According to media, the changes increase the number of members of parliament from 167 to around 280. This will be achieved by creating additional constituencies, reserving 40 new seats for women, youth and people with disabilities, and expanding the number of presidential appointees from eight to 11.
The reforms were signed into law about eight months before Zambia’s presidential and parliamentary elections, in which Hichilema is expected to seek a second term. Critics, including church leaders and civil society figures, argue the amendments were rushed through parliament and could give the ruling party an electoral advantage.
Opponents say redrawing constituency boundaries and expanding parliamentary seats so close to an election risks tilting the political playing field. Some civil rights activists warned that the ruling party could use the changes to consolidate power, particularly by creating new constituencies in areas where it enjoys strong support.
Hichilema has rejected these claims, saying the reforms were made in good faith and followed sufficient consultation. He has previously argued that several constituencies are too large to be effectively represented and that smaller districts would improve service delivery.
The move has also been criticised by opposition politicians who question the timing, noting that Zambia is still recovering from a prolonged debt crisis and facing significant economic pressures.