More Seats, Inclusive Elections

ZIIMA advocate for Constitutional Reforms to Expand Representation and Strengthen Media

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (November 11, 2025) – The Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has urged the Technical Committee on Amendments to the Constitution of Zambia to approve reforms aimed at increasing political participation, enhancing representation, and supporting media coverage.

According to the submission made by ZIIMA President Jaja Coulibaly, the Institute recommended increasing constituency-based National Assembly seats from 156 to 211. 

He said this move was necessary because Zambia’s population has grown significantly, and constituency boundaries have not been updated in over five decades.

“The current constituencies were created over five decades ago and no longer reflect our population of over 20 million,” Coulibaly said. 

“Increasing the number of seats will enable more Zambians to contest and provide quality leadership.”

He added that the expansion would benefit media houses. More constituencies will generate local news stories and create demand for regional correspondents. It will also provide journalists with a wider range of voices to cover.

ZIIMA also supported introducing a mixed-member proportional representation system to guarantee representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. 

Coulibaly explained that the system would also reduce the cost of by-elections.

“Allowing runners-up to automatically assume vacant seats will save resources for both the state and media organizations,” he said. “It will also ensure that representation is uninterrupted.”

On candidate withdrawals, ZIIMA proposed that political parties promptly nominate replacements if a candidate resigns or dies before voting day. 

Elections for independent candidates should proceed as normal.

“This measure will prevent manipulation, ensure fair competition, and protect media coverage from last-minute disruptions,” Coulibaly said.

Regarding nominated Members of Parliament, ZIIMA recommended a cap of 10. Coulibaly said this is to prevent the ruling party from gaining an automatic majority.

“A balanced Parliament is essential for accountability,” he explained. 

“It also provides journalists with substantive debates to cover, which is crucial for a vibrant democracy.”

The Institute also endorsed harmonizing the term of office for MPs and local councilors to five years. Ministers should remain in office only until Parliament is dissolved three months before elections.

“This levels the playing field for opposition candidates and allows fairer media coverage during campaigns,” Coulibaly said.

Other proposals included removing the two-term limit for mayors and council chairpersons. 

ZIIMA also recommended including constituency-based MPs in local councils for planning Constituency Development Fund projects.

The Institute called for maintaining qualifications for Secretary to the Cabinet and allowing the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to remain in office until replacements are appointed after elections.

Coulibaly emphasized the role of media in national processes. 

“Media houses in Zambia should play more than just a reporting role. Beyond informing and engaging the public, we should actively participate in significant national processes, such as the 2025 Constitutional Amendment process,” he said.

He highlighted that some proposed changes, such as increasing constituencies, present both opportunities and responsibilities for the media. 

“More constituencies mean greater decentralization, more local governance, and a wider pool of stories. It also opens avenues for increased advertising revenue for local media, as communities become more engaged in local politics.”

ZIIMA also supports eliminating unnecessary by-elections. 

“Frequent by-elections create logistical and financial burdens for media houses,” Coulibaly said. 

“Covering these elections requires travel, accommodation, and other resources, which many media houses cannot sustainably afford. By reducing or eliminating by-elections, the media can operate more efficiently and maintain its objectivity.”

On election petitions, Coulibaly said clear timelines are critical. “Defined timelines allow media houses to plan coverage more effectively. 

In 2016, journalists were caught unprepared due to unexpected judicial decisions over weekends, wasting resources and missing reporting opportunities. With defined timelines, coverage becomes more accurate, timely, and cost-effective.”

He concluded that ZIIMA advocates for reforms that support media sustainability, enhance journalistic independence, and allow efficient coverage of political processes.

 “These reforms will ultimately benefit both the public and media institutions,” Coulibaly said.