ZAMBIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPSPASTORAL STATEMENTON THE CONDUCT AND CLIMATE OF THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTION

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has broken its silence regarding the tense climate surrounding the August 13, 2026 general elections, releasing a forceful pastoral statement addressing widespread administrative hiccups and post-election anxiety. In the wake of the polls, the Catholic clergy noted that while voting proceeded under general vigilance, subsequent developments—most notably the abrupt decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend tallying operations—have severely strained public trust. The bishops emphasized that any disruption or opacity in the handling of ballots opens the floodgates to dangerous speculation and undermines the hard-won democratic reputation that Zambia has long cherished within the Southern African region. Central to the ZCCB's address is the absolute necessity of safeguarding the sanctity of the vote. The prelates reminded all political stakeholders, security forces, and electoral officials that public office derives its legitimacy solely from the unhindered will of the electorate. Expressing deep unease over reports of skirmishes, compromised custody of ballot materials, and administrative delays, the church leaders asserted that peace cannot exist in the absence of justice and transparency. They urged the ECZ to expedite the final tallying process with uncompromised openness, stressing that silence and delay only serve to erode confidence during a fragile political transition. The pastoral statement also directs a stern warning toward political actors and their supporters, cautioning against incendiary rhetoric, premature declarations of victory, and mobilizations that threaten public security. The bishops recalled that Zambia’s political history has largely been spared the devastating conflicts witnessed elsewhere on the continent, a heritage they argue must not be squandered for narrow partisan ambitions. They called upon leaders across the political spectrum to rein in cadres and respect statut