“Commendable, statesmanlike decision”: Caritas Zambia Lauds Government for Constitution Amendment Bill Withdrawal

On March 8, during the commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, President Hichilema reportedly announced the decision by his government to amend the country’s constitution before the 2026 poll.

In their earlier statement opposing the amendment to the Constitution, Caritas Zambia specifically decried proposed electoral reforms in the country, which ZCCB members criticized in 2024.

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.”

“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.”

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In the Caritas Zambia June 27 statement, Fr. Mapulanga says that the withdrawal of the Bill provides a crucial opportunity for “introspection and a renewed commitment to a truly participatory process.”

“We believe that a national constitution, as the supreme law of the land, must be a product of widespread agreement and reflect the aspirations of all Zambians,” the Zambia Caritas official says.

Widespread agreement, Fr. Mapulanga says, “can only be achieved through thorough, inclusive, and genuine consultations that bring together diverse perspectives from across the country.”

The Director of Caritas Zambia goes on to laud ZCCB members, other faith leaders, and CSOs for “their unwavering commitment to advocating for good governance and ensuring that the constitution-making process is transparent and people-driven.”

“Their collective advocacy played a vital role in bringing about this positive development,” he further says, and continues, “We urge the government to now embark on a comprehensive and inclusive national dialogue process.”

Fr. Mapulanga proposes that the national dialogue process “involve all relevant stakeholders, including traditional leaders, professional bodies, academia, youth, women’s groups, and ordinary citizens, to build a consensus that will stand the test of time.”

“Caritas Zambia remains committed to working collaboratively with the government, the Church, and all civil society partners to ensure that Zambia’s constitution truly serves the best interests of its people,” he says.

The official of Caritas in Zambia adds, “We stand ready to contribute to any future processes aimed at strengthening our democracy and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Zambians.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.