CATHOLIC BISHOPS WARN AGAINST DIVISION AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
…….ZCCB urges peace, issue-based campaigns, credible elections
The Catholic Bishops of Zambia have issued a strong moral and civic warning ahead of the August 2026 General Elections, urging political leaders, electoral institutions, and citizens to reject division, violence, and manipulation in favour of peace, integrity, and issue-based democratic participation.
In a Pastoral Letter dated 30 January 2026, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) said Zambia stands at a defining crossroads, where the conduct of elections will either strengthen democracy or plunge the nation into political intolerance and social fragmentation.
The bishops observed that while elections offer an opportunity for national renewal, Zambia continues to grapple with serious challenges, including the high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, rising national debt, and growing political hostility, which threaten national unity.
ZCCB stressed that politics must be viewed as a moral responsibility and service to the common good, not a ruthless contest for power.
They warned that leadership driven by selfish ambition, exclusion, and abuse of authority erodes democratic values and undermines respect for human dignity, particularly among the poor and vulnerable.
The bishops described voting as both a civic and moral act, urging citizens to participate responsibly and make informed choices based on leadership character, policy direction, and national vision.
They cautioned against vote-buying, fear-mongering, and tribal alignment, stating that such practices distort the will of the people and weaken democratic legitimacy.
ZCCB called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to administer the electoral process with professionalism, independence, and impartiality.
They emphasized that transparency must be guaranteed at every stage voter registration, campaigns, polling, counting, and declaration of results warning that any breach of electoral integrity would amount to a betrayal of public trust.
The bishops expressed concern over the continued use of insults, tribal rhetoric, and character assassination in political discourse.
They urged political parties and candidates to focus on substantive national issues, including economic hardship, energy challenges, youth unemployment, debt management, poverty reduction, and national cohesion.
ZCCB reiterated that the Church remains strictly non-partisan, warning clergy against aligning with political parties or allowing church platforms to be used for political campaigns.
They clarified that the Church’s role is to form consciences and promote the common good, not to mobilise political support.
The bishops further urged political players and supporters to commit to peaceful acceptance of election outcomes and to resolve disputes through legal and constitutional channels.
They warned that no political victory is worth the loss of a single Zambian life.
As the country moves closer to the 2026 polls, ZCCB called on Christians and people of goodwill to pray for peaceful elections and responsible leadership.
They concluded by urging Zambians to reject tribalism and political hatred, reaffirming the national motto: “One Zambia, One Nation.”
C©️ KUMWESU | January 31, 2026
This is indeed wisdom from the Catholic Church, which has been in existence for centuries. They have seen dictators rise and fall. Even when the dictator is no more, hopefully very soon, the Catholic Church shall remain.
“HE THAT DIGS HOLES FOR OTHERS, SHALL HIMSELF BE BURIED IN THEM” – EDITH NAWAKWI.
REJECT TRIBALISM, CORRUPTION AND OPPRESSION.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN AUGUST.
Send me appointments from PF criminal government the way it was I compare with the appointment’s of upnd government.
Bias pastoral letter from bunch of unchristian among themselves one from kasama wished the opposition to grab the seat before the day of voting even addressed his members to vote for his preferred candidate unfortunately results came opposite I’m sure he is not happy,he even failed to explain what the gospel it was saying on that dayhe rushed on compaigning for yuda shamunabane shame.The bishop never explained on first reading, second reading and gospel but rushed on compaigning for yuda sole William.please ignore uncleaned pastoral from questionable group who have got hidden agenda.
Mr Lizard Monitor the Bishops have no hidden agenda. They have spoken the truth. The problem is that people like you lack objectivity and sincerity. You always praise your boss. Zambian is bigger 3 regions.
What is this Pastorial letter after Pastorial letter,naimwe.You are just demeaning the importance of Pastorial Letters
These sort of warnings and advice are best propagated on Radio Chengelo and the like
The undertone there is that of a parent saying one thing to the children and doing exactly the opposite inside the chambers.
Let God be respected, for HE is Omniscient, Omnipotent and indeed Omnipresent. It does not matter what you show the masses, He can never be mocked.
He exposes the wicked, He scatters the untrustworthy and He gathers together His Children for the Good of His Kingdom.
You may pray for show, but God only sees the inside of one’s heart.