Caritas Zambia Opposes Proposal to Amend Constitution Months to General Elections

Acknowledging the importance of constitutional changes for emerging democracies, the Caritas official said that the timing was not right to make such big changes for the Southern African nation.

He said that constitutional amendments, especially those touching on elections, would only give “undue advantage to the party in power”.

“We acknowledge the importance of amending the constitution in a developing democracy like ours,” Fr. Mapulanga said, and added, “However, we share the Bishops' concern that the proximity of the 2026 general elections, with only about 19 or less months remaining, raises legitimate suspicions of attempting to give undue advantage to the party in power.”

“Rushing into constitutional reforms at this time may undermine the integrity of the process and the credibility of the outcome,” the Catholic Priest said.

Addressing Zambia’s Electoral and Constitutional Reforms last year, ZCCB members said, “We affirm that electoral reforms in a developing democracy like ours are critical.”

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“However, in view of the proximity of the 2026 general elections - only about 19 months remaining, we invite the Government to reflect further on the prudence of continuing with this exercise lest it raises legitimate suspicions of attempting to give undue advantage to the party in power,” Zambia’s Catholic Bishops said

They added, “We accordingly urge the Government to seriously consider postponing the amendment of Zambia's Constitution to the post-2026 election period.”

In the Caritas Zambia March 17 statement, Fr. Mapulanga appealed to the Zambian government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and broad stakeholder engagement in any constitutional reform process. This, the Director of Caritas Zambia said, would ensure that the voices of all Zambians are heard and valued.

“Let us work together to build a more just and equitable society for all Zambians,” he implored.