WHAT NEXT AFTER ELECTIONS
WHAT NEXT AFTER ELECTIONS?
THE next step is to see the guidelines from the ECZ on how the 40 Proportional Representation (PR) parliamentary seats will be allocated.
Both President Hakainde Hichilema (winner at 60%) and losing opposition leader Brian Mundubile (at 38%) will be entitled to pick MPs on the party list, which will represent the percentage obtained in the Presidential election.
The ECZ will scrutinise the names submitted to be make sure that they meet the qualification of being MPs. It will the announce the names of those who will occupy the 40 PR seats. It is the first time in the history of Zambia to have these seats – thanks to Bill 7.
The 40 PR seats are reserved for women, youths and disabled. So, there will be alot of jostling going on now for those who want to be MPs based on party list. It will be very interesting to see who will make the list but suffice to mention that losing candidates do not qualify. For the youths, to qualify to be MP under this system, you need to be below the age of 35 years.
The same percentage used for MPs will also apply to councillors who will be picked under the PR system. It will be very interesting to see how the party Presidents will pick these candidates.
Dickson Jere