Delimitation

Definition

Boundary delimitation (or simply delimitation) is the drawing of boundaries, particularly of electoral precincts, states, counties or other municipalities. In the context of elections, it can be called redistribution and is used to prevent unbalance of population across districts.

Overview

The Electoral Commission of Zambia is mandated by the Constitution to conduct delimitation of provinces and electoral boundaries. Delimitation is the process of drawing electoral boundaries of constituencies, wards and polling districts.

Article 58 (4) of the Constitution of Zambia states that the Electoral Commission shall determine the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards and section (5) of article 59 states that the Electoral Commission shall, at intervals of not more than ten years, review the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards.

Further, Article 59 of the Constitution of Zambia stipulates the factors the Electoral Commission take into account when delimiting the boundaries of constituencies and wards.

Factors Influencing Delimitation

• The history, diversity and cohesiveness of the constituency or ward
• Population density, trends and projections
• The number of inhabitants in each constituency or ward is reasonable, taking into account the means of communication and geographical features
• Ensuring that constituencies and wards are wholly within districts;
• Creation of a new province by the President
• Seek to achieve an approximate equality of constituency and ward population, subject to the need to ensure adequate representation for urban and sparsely populated areas.