THE Media Initiative for Women in Zambia (MIWOZ) has been closely following the ongoing Presidential Nomination validation process taking place ahead of the forthcoming elections in Zambia.

MIWOZ is concerned that the Electoral Commission of schedule for filing nominations for aspiring presidential candidates reveals a significant gender imbalance in Zambia’s presidential race, with only one woman, Dr Given Katuta, among the 26 aspiring candidates listed.

The remaining candidates are male, highlighting the continued low participation of women in top political leadership and decision-making positions. This reflects the persistent barriers women face in politics, including limited access to financial resources, unequal political support, cultural stereotypes and restricted opportunities within political parties.

MIWOZ is saddened by the absence of more female candidates which underscores the urgent need for stronger efforts to promote women’s political participation and ensure a more inclusive and representative democratic process in Zambia.

As an organisation committed to strengthening women’s voices, we would like to encourage women, youths and marginalised groups to continue actively participating in democratic processes without fear, intimidation, or discrimination. “Equal participation strengthens democracy and contributes to inclusive national development”.

MIWOZ calls upon all electoral stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, electoral authorities, the media and citizens, to conduct themselves responsibly and peacefully throughout the validation process and the broader electoral period.

The organisation further urges the media to remain professional, factual, balanced and ethical in reporting developments surrounding the nomination validation process. Accurate and conflict-sensitive reporting is essential in promoting public trust, preventing misinformation and safeguarding national unity, democracy and peace.

We commend institutions tasked with managing the electoral process for their continued efforts and encourage them to maintain transparency, impartiality and accountability in the execution of their mandate.

Finally, MIWOZ appeals to all citizens to reject violence, hate speech and divisive rhetoric and instead uphold peace, tolerance and respect for democratic outcomes. Zambia’s democracy depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to peaceful and credible elections.