NGOCC Concerned Over Low Women Representtion Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Non-governmetal Gender Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern at the persistently low representation of women among validly nominated Candidates for the August 13th 2026 General Elections.

Speaking to the Media during a briefing in Lusaka, NGOCC Board Publicity Secretary Ms Leah Mitaba, in a speech read on behalf of the Board Chairperson Ms Beauty Katebe, said as announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

The nominated figures demonstrate that despite constitutional reforms, nominations, policy commitment and repeated pledges by different political parties, women continue to face significant barriers to elective leadership.

According to the ECZ, only one (1) out of the 14 presidential candidates is a woman, representing 7.1%. This figure reflects virtually no progress from the 2021 General elections, where (1) out of the 15 was female, representing 6.7% representation.

At National Assembly level, Women account for only 122 out of the 973 Validly nominated Candidates (12.5% ) representing a decrease from 181 out of 857 candidates (21.1%) in 2021.

At Mayoral ,Council Chairperson level,Only 48 out of 439 candidates (10.9%) are women compared to 56 of the 381 (14.7%) in 2021.

At ward Councillor Level women Constitute 433 of the 5,099 at ward Councillor Level (8.5%), Down from 565 of the 5,693 Candidates (9.9%) in 2021.

NGOCC says these statistics paint a worrying picture as they indicate that Zambia still remains far from achieving 50:50 Gender representation envisaged in the constitution.

The SADC protocol on gender and Development ,the African Union Agenda 2063 and the sustainable goal of which recognise women as equal participants in decision-making as fundamental to inclusive and sustainable development.