DON’T LET POLITICS TEAR ZAMBIA APART



NGOCC urges candidates and supporters to respect the people’s verdict, reject inflammatory politics and safeguard peace ahead of August 13 polls

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — 11-08-2026  — The Non-Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to prioritise Zambia’s peace and unity above partisan interests as the country approaches the August 13, 2026 General Elections.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe says political competition must not be allowed to divide the nation, noting that every election produces both winners and losers.

Ms. Katebe has urged all candidates to prepare themselves to accept the verdict of the people, emphasising that elections are determined by voters and not by the interests of individual candidates or political parties.

She says candidates who are dissatisfied with the outcome should pursue lawful channels and established dispute-resolution mechanisms to challenge results, rather than resorting to confrontation.

NGOCC has also cautioned political leaders against inflammatory statements, stressing that leaders must exercise restraint in their communication, as reckless remarks can incite supporters and heighten tensions.

The organisation has further called on political party supporters to remain peaceful, while reminding leaders of their responsibility to guide and calm their followers, whether in victory or defeat.

NGOCC says it would be commendable for those who emerge victorious to accept victory with humility, and for those who lose to accept defeat with dignity.

“Political competition comes to an end, but citizens, communities and the country remain,” NGOCC says.

The organisation has also stressed that maintaining peace does not mean citizens should forfeit their right to question the electoral process, challenge results or demand accountability.

It says Zambians may contest results, scrutinise electoral processes and seek justice while upholding peace and respecting the rule of law.

NGOCC has meanwhile appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Zambia Police, the courts and other relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities impartially, independently and without intimidation or interference.

The organisation says the responsibility of safeguarding Zambia’s peace extends beyond political parties and institutions to every citizen.

NGOCC has urged political actors and their supporters to remember that while political affiliations may differ, all Zambians share one country.

The organisation says elections should determine who governs the country and should not become a catalyst for division among citizens.

“Let us protect our democracy, preserve our peace and remember that Zambia is bigger than any political party, candidate or election,” NGOCC says.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bishops Decry DEC Summons

Image
ZCCB Warns Against Using State Institutions to Silence Church Leaders By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (3-01-2026) - The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has condemned in the strongest terms the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) summons of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, describing it as a brazen attempt to intimidate the Church and silence its voice on governance. ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama said in a statement that the Bishops stand in unwavering solidarity with Archbishop Banda, who is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit of the DEC on 5 January 2026.  The summons, delivered on 31 December 2025, comes amid a wave of public attacks and derogatory remarks against the Archbishop. The Bishops labelled the DEC action as unmistakably state-sponsored harassment, designed to punish Archbishop Banda for speaking truth to power and holding the government accountable.  Bishop Chama warned that weaponizing state institut...
Read more

Opposition Meets ECZ Over Voter Concerns

Image
Lungu says the Dialogue focused on transparency and voter registration ahead of 2026 polls. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (October 25, 2025) -- Leaders from the United Opposition Front (UOF) have met with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to discuss concerns surrounding voter registration and other electoral matters ahead of the 2026 general election. The meeting, held at the ECZ Headquarters in Lusaka, brought together opposition parties including The Zambia We Want, the Socialist Party, and the United Liberal Party among others. It was chaired by the ECZ Chairperson and attended by senior officials from the Commission. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Muhabi Lungu, Secretary General of The Zambia We Want, said the engagement was constructive and aimed at promoting transparency and mutual trust between the Commission and political parties.  “We met with the ECZ to share our concerns, particularly on voter registration, and to discuss how we can ensure the process ...
Read more

Consortium Challenges Health Bill

Image
Health groups reject reforms, warn against increased private sector influence in regulation, call for revisions to protect integrity of health regulation and demand meaningful consultation and representation By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — (13/04/2026) A consortium of seven health professional associations representing over 86 percent of Zambia’s regulated health workforce has challenged the proposed Health Professions (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2026, rejecting the reforms and warning that they risk increasing private sector influence, undermining regulatory integrity and excluding practitioners from meaningful participation. Speaking during a joint media briefing, Clinical Officers’ Association of Zambia (COAZ) Secretary General Dr. Musonda Kamfwa said the consortium opposes the bill in its current form because it seeks to alter the governance structure of the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) by reducing the role of health professionals while expanding non-practit...
Read more