Caritas Zambia is calling for the postponement of constitutional amendments until after the 2026 general elections. The organization, part of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, argues that there is insufficient time to build consensus for such changes, as highlighted by Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga.
Caritas Zambia has urged the Zambian government to delay any constitutional amendments until after the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2026. The call comes in response to proposed electoral reforms that have faced criticism from members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) since 2024.
On March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day, President Hakainde Hichilema announced the intention of his government to revise the Constitution before the 2026 elections. In a statement made on March 17, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga, Executive Director of Caritas Zambia, highlighted the importance of allowing adequate time to foster consensus for effective constitutional amendments.
Fr. Mapulanga stressed that the current timeline is insufficient for developing the necessary consensus for such significant changes, stating, “It is too late to build the kind of consensus that is required for such a serious exercise.” He strongly recommended that the government shift the amendment process to follow the 2026 elections.
In summary, Caritas Zambia raises critical concerns over the proposed constitutional amendments by the government, advocating for a postponement until after the general elections in 2026. Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga emphasizes the essential need for adequate time to develop a consensus necessary for effective constitutional changes, cautioning against the hasty approach currently being considered by the government.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
