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President Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral statement on the forthcoming General Elections, describing it as aligned with government’s commitment to peaceful, free and credible polls.
Zambia Monitor reported earlier that the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) had called on all Zambians to safeguard peace ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections, warning that political violence threatened the nation’s democratic gains.
The Bishops said the country stood at a crucial moment and that politics must be understood as service rather than a contest for privilege.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday by Clayson Hamasaka, State House Chief Communications Officer, the President noted the Bishops’ strong position against political violence and intimidation in the run-up to the August 13 elections.
Hamasaka said President Hichilema shared the Church’s concern that Zambia should not return to past practices that undermined democracy and public order.
He also reaffirmed government’s duty to protect citizens’ democratic rights throughout the campaign period.
“The statement is fully aligned with the Head of State’s longstanding call for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. The President agrees that Zambia must never return to the dark days of political violence, cadreism and fear,” Hamasaka stated.
President Hichilema further urged all political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves within the law and to respect each other during the electoral process.
The President also used the statement to call for continued national mourning for the late former Vice President and Acting President.
“The Head of State further urges the nation to continue mourning the late former Vice President and Acting President His Honour Dr Guy Scott with dignity, honour and respect. He calls upon all Zambians to keep the bereaved family, relatives and friends in their prayers during this difficult period,” he said.
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