Caritas Zambia opposes proposed constitutional amendments before the 2026 elections, calling for a delay to allow for consensus-building. This reaction follows President Hichilema’s announcement about these changes, which prompted concerns about electoral reforms voiced by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops. Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga stresses the need for more time for effective engagement.
Caritas Zambia has voiced its opposition to the proposed amendments to the Constitution of Zambia, urging a postponement until after the 2026 general elections. This stance aligns with concerns previously raised by members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding electoral reforms in 2024.
President Hakainde Hichilema announced his government’s intention to amend the Constitution ahead of the upcoming elections during the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2025. The swift timeline prompted Caritas Zambia to speak out on the matter, highlighting potential risks to the electoral process.
In a statement released on March 17, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga, the Executive Director of Caritas Zambia, underscored the importance of allowing adequate time for consensus-building among stakeholders. He stated that the current timeframe is insufficient for engaging all parties involved in such significant constitutional changes.
In conclusion, Caritas Zambia advocates for the deferral of proposed constitutional amendments until after the 2026 general elections, emphasizing the necessity of consensus-building. Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga’s comments reflect a commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process, underlining the importance of adequate preparation for constitutional changes.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
