The United Party for National Development (UPND) has asked the Catholic Church to cancel a planned candlelight prayer service scheduled for 12 August, arguing that the event could be interpreted as political on the eve of Zambia’s general election.
The ruling party says the use of candles during the prayer service could create political controversy because a candle and a lamp have been adopted as official election symbols by some political parties contesting the 2026 General Elections.
The candlelight prayers were announced by the Rector of the Marian Shrine in Chelstone, Father Felix Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, who called on Catholic parishes across the country to hold prayers for peace on the eve of the polls.
In a circular dated 4 August 2026, Fr Banda encouraged priests, religious leaders and the faithful to participate in the prayer service as part of a novena seeking peace throughout the electoral process.
The circular instructed all parishes to hold candlelight prayers on Wednesday, 12 August, and urged parishioners to attend with candles.