NGOCC Warns Against Electoral Malpractice



The civil society body says seizure of candidates’ documents by political parties is not only illegal ahead of elections but also undermines the electoral process

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed concern over reports that some political parties are demanding original documents from aspiring parliamentary and local government candidates, describing the practice as illegal and unacceptable.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe told Zambia24 that original documents such as National Registration Cards (NRCs) and Grade 12 certificates remain the personal property of individuals and must not be surrendered to any political organisation.

She emphasised that political parties are only permitted to request certified copies.

Katebe urged aspiring candidates to retain their original documents at all times and advised those who may have already submitted them to immediately retrieve them from party offices.

The organisation also raised concern over what it described as escalating cases of vote buying, where candidates allegedly offer food, money, or other incentives in exchange for electoral support.

NGOCC condemned the practice, calling it a form of electoral corruption that undermines democratic principles.

The council further urged citizens to reject inducements and report such incidents to relevant authorities, stressing that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion.

“Voting is a secret process, and no individual or political entity can determine how one has voted,” the statement noted, encouraging voters to make independent decisions free from pressure or incentives.

The council has called on all political parties and aspiring candidates to uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves with integrity, adding that leadership should be anchored on transparency and accountability.

NGOCC warned that it would report individuals or entities found engaging in such practices to law enforcement agencies, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, as part of efforts to safeguard the credibility of the electoral process.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and urged all stakeholders to play an active role in ensuring free and fair elections.

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