Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) has described the nomination of persons with disabilities through Zambia’s Proportional Representation (PR) system as a historic milestone in the political participation and representation of the disability community.
Under Article 47(4) of the constitution (as amended by Act No. 13 of 2025), PR seats are distributed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to political parties in proportion to the total number of valid votes received by their presidential candidates.
The amended Constitution provides for five seats for persons with disabilities in the National Assembly through the PR system, while also providing for their representation in local government councils.
BSLT President Ntalasha Chisha told Money FM News that the development gives practical effect to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 29, which calls for the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life on an equal basis with others.
Mr. Chisha welcomed the constitutional reforms that have created a pathway for the representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in Parliament.
“We acknowledge His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and the Government of the Republic of Zambia for advancing constitutional reforms that have created a pathway for the representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities,” Mr. Ntalasha stated.
“Importantly, this milestone goes beyond Parliament. The amended Constitution also provides for proportional representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities within local government councils.”
He noted that representation at local government level was particularly important because many decisions affecting persons with disabilities, including accessibility, infrastructure, social services and community development, are made at grassroots level.
“For the disability community, therefore, this is more than the creation of seats. It is the opening of doors to meaningful participation at both national and grassroots levels,” he said.
Mr. Ntalasha congratulated persons with disabilities nominated through the PR system, describing their appointment as both an honour and a responsibility to ensure that the lived experiences and aspirations of persons with disabilities are reflected in decision-making.
“We call upon the nominated representatives to champion accessibility, inclusive education, employment, economic empowerment, healthcare, social protection and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities,” Mr. Chisha added.
He further called for political representation to translate into meaningful participation, influence and tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities.
“Our representation must not end at Parliament. It must reach our councils, our communities and every level where decisions affecting our lives are made,” he emphasized.
Mr. Ntalasha noted that the development marks the beginning of a new chapter in disability inclusion and political participation in Zambia, while stressing the need for continued efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities are represented at all levels of decision-making.
