2026 Elections: NGOCC condemns proposal to raise presidential nomination fee to K5 million

The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed concern over remarks attributed to National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) Chairperson, Noel Nkhoma, calling for a hike in Presidential nomination fees.

Nkhoma is reported to have urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider increasing the nomination fee for the position of President to K5 million.

NGOCC Acting Executive Director, Florence Mende-Lufunsa, said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday that elections form an integral part of Zambia’s constitutional democracy.

Lufunsa explained that elections were a means through which eligible citizens from various backgrounds, regardless of status, participate in determining the country’s development trajectory.

“That is why inclusiveness forms a critical part of every electoral process as it promotes, among other things, the fulfilment of citizens’ civil and political rights and also enhances the legitimacy of an election,” she said.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that elections at all levels foster a spirit of equality and affirmative action to encourage more citizens—especially marginalized groups such as women and persons with disabilities—to participate fairly.

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Lufunsa described Nkhoma’s proposal as exclusionary, sad, and retrogressive, saying it was aimed at disadvantaging marginalized groups from contesting the Presidency.

She further warned that exorbitant nomination fees could compromise the integrity of leaders elected, making them vulnerable to corruption and state capture.

“Therefore, we strongly urge the ECZ to ignore the call by Mr. Nkhoma to increase the nomination fees to K5 million,” Lufunsa said.

She added that the proposed “astronomical amount” was absurd and designed to restrict the Presidency to a few privileged individuals.

Lufunsa also urged leaders to refrain from using their privileged positions of influence to advance elitist policies that exclude the poor and vulnerable populations.

“Inclusion should always be the hallmark of our governance as a country,” she emphasized.

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