Caritas Zambia Advocates for Postponement of Constitutional Amendments

Caritas Zambia requests that the government postpone constitutional amendments until after the 2026 elections. The organization stresses the need for consensus-building, especially following President Hakainde Hichilema’s announcement regarding electoral reforms amid upcoming polls.

Caritas Zambia has urged the Zambian government to delay proposed amendments to the Constitution until after the general elections in 2026. The organization, affiliated with the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, has raised concerns regarding the timing of these electoral reforms, which have faced criticism from ZCCB members since 2024.
On March 8, 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema announced plans for constitutional amendments ahead of the upcoming elections. In a statement on March 17, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga, Executive Director of Caritas Zambia, highlighted the necessity for time to foster consensus essential for effective constitutional changes.
Fr. Mapulanga emphasized that it is too late to facilitate the needed consensus for such an impactful process, advocating for a postponement of the amendments until after the elections to ensure adequate preparation and agreement among stakeholders.

In conclusion, Caritas Zambia’s call to postpone constitutional amendments highlights the critical importance of consensus building in the democratic process. With elections approaching in 2026, the organization emphasizes that adequate time is required to ensure that any changes to the Constitution are implemented effectively and with broad support.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org