Zambia is currently embroiled in a significant national debate surrounding proposals to increase the number of parliamentary constituencies and Members of Parliament (MPs). This proposed expansion has drawn strong reactions, with prominent figures raising concerns about its economic viability and practical implications, while others champion it as a necessary step for modernizing governance and improving democratic representation.

One strongly worded critique comes from Njobvu, who argues that the renewed push for constituency delimitation and adding more constituencies fails to align with Zambia’s current economic realities. Njobvu points out that Zambia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and population size do not compare favorably with regional and global peers that boast larger economies yet operate with similar or even fewer parliamentary seats. He highlights this as a structural imbalance that should caution policymakers against increasing administrative costs when public resources are already heavily strained. For Njobvu, the priority should be GDP growth, not an expansion of political structures. He asserts that expanding political representation without a simultaneous expansion of economic capacity risks placing an unsustainable burden on the national treasury. He emphasizes that Zambia's challenge is not the geographical size of constituencies but a persistent lack of fiscal capacity, which has slowed development across communities. Njobvu firmly believes that delimitation will not magically produce more roads, schools, clinics, or jobs, arguing that only economic growth can achieve this. He warns that increasing the number of MPs would expand recurrent expenditure, including salaries, allowances, and administrative costs, further straining a budget already burdened by debt servicing, public sector wages, and essential social services. He urged the government to focus on high-potential economic sectors like agriculture, mining value addition, manufacturing, and digital innovation, cautioning that pushing delimitation amidst a fragile economy signals misplaced priorities.

Adding to the practical concerns, Harrington questioned the logistical feasibility of the proposed increase, specifically asking where the 85 new Members of Parliament would sit, given that the current Parliament building is designed to accommodate only 164 members and is already crowded. Harrington deemed the United Party for National Development's (UPND) intention to raise the number of MPs from 164 to 261 illogical due to existing seating challenges, noting that current MPs "sit like sardines." He also highlighted the significant cost implications of adding new MPs, including new vehicles, allowances, and gratuities, which would place considerable pressure on the national treasury and taxpayers. Harrington further argued that the constitution states to "consider delimitation," not to "must delimit," urging constructive debate. He also expressed concern that the proposal to do away with by-elections would pose a danger to democracy by promoting dictatorship.

Conversely, Mr. Chanda advocates for the expansion, arguing that the current constituency sizes have become too large for MPs to provide effective representation, oversight, and consistent presence in their areas. He believes that increasing the number of MPs would reduce this representational overload and bring Parliament closer to citizens, thereby enhancing democratic responsiveness. Mr. Chanda's analysis of Bill Number 7 of 2025 emphasizes that modern governance demands a broader pool of lawmakers to improve the quality of legislation and oversight. He asserts that even with the proposed increase, Zambia’s Parliament would remain one of the smallest in the SADC region, trailing only Eswatini and Lesotho – countries significantly smaller with different political systems. Chanda maintains that Zambia is not expanding irrationally but merely catching up with regional norms after decades of operating with an undersized Legislature. He supports the introduction of a mixed parliamentary model, combining first-past-the-post and proportional representation, to broaden inclusion, correct historical imbalances, and modernize democratic participation. Furthermore, he noted that the expanded responsibilities associated with the Constituency Development Fund necessitate stronger oversight, which a moderate increase in MPs would facilitate, improving project monitoring and accountability. He urged Zambians to support these amendments, arguing that a country that has doubled its population and advanced economically cannot continue to operate with a Parliament designed in the 1960s.

The debate thus encapsulates a fundamental tension: the need to balance fiscal responsibility and economic development with the aspirations for enhanced democratic participation and modernized governance. Leaders are urged to carefully consider these multifaceted arguments as Zambia navigates its future political and economic landscape.