NGOCC warns against ‘elite’ presidential nomination fees

NGOCC warns against ‘elite’ presidential nomination fees

By Tony Nkhoma

NATIONAL Road Fund Agency (NRFA) chairperson Noel Nkhoma’s call to increase nomination fees for presidential candidates to K5 million is acrimonious, the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has said.

Acting NGOCC Executive Director Florence Mende-Lufunsa said the proposal is aimed at discouraging marginalised groups, including women and youth, from contesting the highest office in the land.

“We strongly urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ignore the call by Mr Nkhoma to increase the nomination fees to K5 million,” Mende-Lufunsa said.

She described the proposed amount as astronomical, designed to restrict the presidency to a few privileged individuals, and warned that such high fees could compromise the integrity of elected leaders, making them more prone to corruption and state capture.

“We also urge leaders not to use their positions of influence to propagate elitist policies, including those that exclude the poor and vulnerable,” Mende-Lufunsa said.

She said inclusion must be the hallmark of Zambian governance, noting that elections are central to the country’s constitutional democracy.

“Eligible citizens from all backgrounds must be able to participate in shaping Zambia’s development trajectory. Inclusiveness promotes citizens’ civil and political rights and enhances the legitimacy of elections,” Mende-Lufunsa said.

She said elections should foster equality and affirmative action, enabling more citizens, particularly marginalizsd groups such as women and persons with disabilities, to participate fairly.

Presidential nomination fees in the 2021 general were pegged at K95, 000 for male candidates, K75, 000 for female candidates, and K60, 000 for youth aspirants.