NGOCC URGES UNITY AFTER HICHILEMA VICTORY

Katebe calls for inclusivity, peace and transparency as Zambia moves beyond elections

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 - 18-08-2026 -- NGOCC The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has congratulated President-elect Hakainde Hichilema on his election victory while calling on all Zambians to put national interests ahead of partisan considerations.

NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe has also congratulated all candidates, political parties, electoral stakeholders and citizens who participated in the electoral process, saying every participant played a role in Zambia’s democratic process.

Katebe has particularly commended women who took part in the elections as candidates, voters, election officials, observers and advocates.

She says the participation of women in different areas of the electoral process is important because it strengthens democratic governance and promotes more inclusive leadership.

Katebe has urged all Zambians to maintain peace, unity and mutual respect as the country moves beyond the elections.

She says the conclusion of the election should mark the beginning of a period in which citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, work together to address the country’s challenges.

Katebe says both winners and those who did not prevail have a responsibility to put national interests above partisan considerations and contribute to Zambia’s development.

She says political competition should not permanently divide citizens, adding that the country now needs cooperation from all sides to address issues affecting ordinary Zambians.

Katebe has also urged President-elect Hichilema to follow through on his acceptance remarks, in which he acknowledged the voices and concerns of citizens who did not support him.

She says the recognition of those concerns should be followed by practical efforts to ensure that people who voted for different political parties also feel included in the governance of the country.

Katebe says the President should commit to inclusivity and national unity in order to build a stronger and more cohesive nation.

She says government has a responsibility to listen to different views and ensure that citizens are treated equally regardless of their political choices.

Katebe says national unity is particularly important if Zambia is to move beyond the divisions and tensions that may have emerged during the election period.

She says the country cannot make meaningful progress if political differences continue to dominate national affairs after the polls.

Katebe says while the country celebrates the election milestone, stakeholders should not ignore concerns raised about the electoral process.

She says NGOCC has noted some irregularities at different stages of the election that were also observed by local, regional and international observer missions.

Katebe says such concerns should not be used to create unnecessary tension, but should instead provide an opportunity for stakeholders to identify weaknesses and improve future elections.

She has urged political parties, civil society organisations, electoral stakeholders and citizens to engage constructively on the concerns raised during the election.

Katebe has, however, urged all stakeholders to put the country first, remain peaceful and embrace dialogue, especially after a tightly contested election.

She says dialogue will help strengthen public confidence in leaders and further consolidate Zambia’s democracy.

Katebe says political leaders have a particularly important role to play in encouraging their supporters to remain peaceful and respect democratic institutions.

She has further called for transparency as political parties submit their party lists in line with requirements under the mixed-member proportional representation system.

Katebe says the process should be handled openly and fairly so that citizens have confidence that the system is being implemented according to the law.

She says transparency at this stage is important because the credibility of the electoral process does not end with the announcement of the presidential results.

Katebe says all stakeholders now have a responsibility to work together, strengthen democracy and ensure that Zambia moves forward peacefully after the elections.

She says the post-election period should be used to rebuild trust, promote national unity and ensure that the democratic gains made by Zambia are protected.

Katebe has called on citizens to respect one another despite their political differences and to focus on the common interests that unite the country.

She says Zambia belongs to all its citizens and that the responsibility of building a peaceful, democratic and inclusive nation extends beyond political parties to every Zambian.