Caritas Zambia urges the government to postpone constitutional amendments until after the 2026 elections, citing maturity and consensus as critical. This response follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s announcement regarding changes prior to the elections. Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga stressed the importance of adequate time for effective discourse.
Caritas Zambia has urged the Zambian government to delay any constitutional amendments until after the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2026. This request arises from concerns regarding proposed electoral reforms criticized by members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) in 2024.
On March 8, during the International Women’s Day celebration, President Hakainde Hichilema announced the government’s intent to amend the constitution prior to the 2026 elections.
Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga, the Executive Director of Caritas Zambia, emphasized the necessity of allowing adequate time to build consensus, which he deemed essential for effective constitutional changes. He stated, “[I]t is too late to build the kind of consensus that is required for such a serious exercise.”
In summary, Caritas Zambia has voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the constitution before the 2026 general elections, citing the need for consensus-building as essential. The call for a postponement reflects a commitment to ensuring a democratic process that respects the views of all stakeholders involved.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
