Following the decision of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend the counting of votes and the announcement of election results, The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) issued a 13 point-pastoral statement regarding the conduct, governance, and political climate surrounding the 2026 General Elections in Zambia.
By AllAfrica*
The bishops expressed deep concern over the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) decision to suspend vote tallying on August 14 following reported violence and stolen ballots. They warned that any unexplained delay creates widespread suspicion and threatens public trust in the final election outcome.
Regarding the handling of election materials, the ZCCB raised serious alarm over reports that ballot boxes were left under police and military control. They emphasized that ballots belong solely to the Zambian people and demanded complete public accountability, transparent chains of custody, and strict oversight by independent officials and observers.
The pastoral statement also cautioned against the deployment of the military for polling duties, noting that a visible army presence intimidates voters and election workers. “We are concerned by the deployment of army officers to police functions in connection with this election. The maintenance of order during elections is constitutionally and statutorily the responsibility of the Zambia Police Service, working with the Commission. The visible presence of military personnel and vehicles at polling and tallying centres, however it may be explained, risks intimidating voters, poll agents and officials, and sends a troubling signal about the character of our democracy,” they said.
The bishops urged state authorities to keep security responsibilities strictly with the police service and to swiftly withdraw military personnel.
Addressing the safety of political actors, the bishops highlighted disturbing reports of harassment and the temporary disappearance of opposition members. “We have received disturbing reports concerning the treatment of members and officials of opposition political parties, Including allegations of harassment by armed officers and, in some instances, reports of individuals whose whereabouts have been unclear for periods of time. We acknowledge that not all such reports have been independently verified.,”, they pointed out. They called for full state transparency, immediate access to legal representation, and equal protection under the law for everyone involved in the democratic process.
Ultimately, the ZCCB urged the Electoral Commission to act impartially and release the full results without further delay. Calling on all citizens to remain calm, avoid violence, and pray for wisdom, the bishops stressed that Zambia’s hard-won peace must never be sacrificed for political ambition.
“To the faithful of Zambia and to all people of goodwill, we appeal for calm, patience and prayer. Let us pray for peace to prevail in our land, and for wisdom and integrity among those entrusted with the counting and announcement of results”, they urged the country, imploring God to “bless Zambia and grant her a just, transparent and peaceful conclusion to this electoral process, through the intercession of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Patron Saints of our Country.”
*AllAfrica is a major pan-African news organization and digital aggregation platform that collects, produces, and distributes approximately 600 news and information items daily. This news has been summarized from the original story.