The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged political parties participating in the forthcoming by-elections to prioritize the adoption of female candidates.
These elections include the National Assembly by-election in Lumezi Constituency and the local government by-elections in Fibalala and Tuuwa Wards.
NGOCC Executive Director Anne Anamela emphasize that political parties have a responsibility to uphold principles of good governance such as fairness, inclusivity, and equality in their leadership structures.
In a statement to RCV News in Lusaka today, Mrs. Anamela expressed concern over the continued exclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities from the political landscape, particularly during the candidate selection process.
She has highlighted that NGOCC has since launched the “Her Time is Now” campaign, to promote awareness and accountability in leadership, encouraging both political parties and voters to support inclusive representation, not only in by-elections but also in the 2026 general elections.
“In collaboration with the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue (ZCID), NGOCC has engaged various political parties on the importance of increasing representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities at both parliamentary and local government levels,” said Mrs. Anamela.
She highlighted that as a result, 26 political parties signed a communique pledging to take affirmative steps toward improving representation of these groups.
Mrs. Anamela further said NGOCC views the upcoming Lumezi parliamentary and ward by-elections in Luapula and Western Provinces as key opportunities for political parties, both in government and opposition, to demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusive governance.
By Margaret Mwanza
