Zambia: Catholic Bishops Express 'Grave Concern' Over Conduct of Zambia's Elections

What the report says

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) said it is deeply concerned about the conduct and atmosphere surrounding Zambia’s general election of 13 August 2026, according to a pastoral statement distributed through its official Facebook page and carried by AllAfrica. In the Lusaka-based statement dated 16 August, the bishops said they were speaking in defense of the Constitution, the rule of law and the right of citizens to have their votes counted and respected.

The bishops focused on the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision on 14 August to suspend tallying and announcement of results after reports of violence against polling staff and theft of marked and unmarked ballot papers. They noted that counting later resumed under tighter security, but argued that any interruption in the process weakens confidence and creates room for suspicion. They also urged the commission to explain the custody of ballot materials and to ensure that only electoral officials control them.

The statement also criticized the visible deployment of army personnel at polling and tallying centres, saying election security is normally a police responsibility and that military presence could intimidate voters and officials. The bishops said they had received troubling, though not fully verified, reports about alleged harassment of opposition members and unclear detentions, and called for transparency, access to legal counsel, and prompt accounting for anyone held by state agencies.

The ZCCB appealed for calm, patience and prayer, while pressing the commission to release results openly and without delay. The message was signed by ZCCB leaders and other bishops, including Archbishop Ignatius Chama and Archbishop Alick Banda.