Fourteenth National Assembly By Numbers: UPND Holds 169 Seats In 280-Member House

By Pauline Ngozoh

The National Assembly of Zambia has released consolidated statistics showing the composition of the Fourteenth National Assembly, with the United Party for National Development (UPND) holding the largest number of seats in the 280-member House.

According to the figures, the UPND has 169 seats, followed by the New Rainbow Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP) with 67. Independent Members account for 20 seats, while the Republican Progressive Party (RP) has five, Citizens First (CF) has two and Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) has one.

The figures give the six categories a combined 264 occupied seats under the First-Past-The-Post and Mixed Member Proportional Representation systems. Two seats remain vacant, bringing the total number of positions under this category to 266.

The new Parliament also provides for 11 nominated-member positions. Five have so far been filled, while six remain vacant. The Vice-President, Speaker and First Deputy Speaker account for three additional positions, bringing the overall composition of the Fourteenth National Assembly to 280.

The statistics also provide a picture of representation within the House. There are currently 62 female and 210 male members reflected in the gender breakdown, representing approximately 23 percent and 77 percent respectively.

Youth representation stands at 26 members, or about 10 percent, while 83 members — approximately 31 percent — have previous parliamentary experience.

Persons with disabilities account for eight members, representing about three percent of the membership covered by the statistics. Of these, one is female and seven are male.

The Fourteenth National Assembly is the first to operate under the newly introduced Mixed Member Proportional Representation arrangement. Speaker Nelly Mutti said during the induction of MPs this week that the House now comprises elected, nominated and non-constituency-based lawmakers arising from the MMPR system.

President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to officially open the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly on October 9, 2026.

The National Assembly says its vision remains: “A Legislature that is more responsive to the people's needs and aspirations.”