NGOCC Condemns Violence at Nomination Centres

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia — 21-05-2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern over incidents of violence and intimidation reported at several nomination centres during the filing of nominations, warning that such acts threaten democracy and discourage women from participating in politics.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe condemned the disturbances witnessed in parts of the country, particularly the incident at the Mandevu Nomination Centre involving aspiring candidate Jean Kapata.

The organisation said Ms. Kapata was allegedly forced to take extraordinary measures to navigate what it described as a hostile environment created by unruly elements.

NGOCC also condemned the reported attack on former Local Government and Rural Development Minister , saying the incident occurred in full view of police officers.

“These incidents are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation like ours and only serve to scare women from political participation,” the statement read.

The organisation acknowledged efforts by the Zambia Police under difficult circumstances, but questioned why violence continued despite repeated calls by the Head of State against political violence.

“While the Head of State has consistently spoken against violence, individuals seemingly aligned with the ruling party continue to act in direct contradiction to this position,” NGOCC said.

The council further described the growing “culture of anarchy” as unacceptable and called for immediate action to stop the trend before it escalates further.

NGOCC also raised concern over reports from Choma, where individuals were allegedly gathered at a nomination centre threatening aspiring candidate .

The organisation urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and proactively to prevent violence and maintain order.

“It is unacceptable to wait for harm to occur before taking decisive action,” the statement said.

NGOCC further called on the ruling party to respect the democratic rights of all citizens, including independent candidates, stating that every eligible citizen has the right to contest public office without intimidation or obstruction.

The organisation warned that Violence Against Women in Elections (VAWE) remains a major obstacle to women’s political participation and should be decisively addressed.

NGOCC said it would continue monitoring the nomination process through its network of members across all ten provinces of Zambia.