The appeal comes with less than five days remaining before Zambians head to the polls, amid calls for calm from faith leaders and civil society organisations.

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops Caritas Executive Director Father Gabriel Mapulanga said the bishops had issued a pastoral statement urging all citizens to safeguard the country’s long-standing record of peace and stability. “Every time they issue pastoral letters on various things, various topics, but this time when we are expecting to have elections, the Catholic bishops issued a statement where they are encouraging everyone to promote peace,” Mapulanga said.

The bishops said Zambia has been spared the civil wars and widespread bloodshed that have affected some neighbouring countries, and citizens have a responsibility to protect that legacy.

Mapulanga said the bishops had appealed to political authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as opposition parties contesting the elections, to ensure supporters act peacefully before, during and after voting.

“They have appealed to the opposition parties that are of course competing in these elections. They have appealed to them to speak to their people in terms of promoting peace,” Mapulanga said.

The bishops also placed particular emphasis on young people, warning against being used by politicians to fuel violence. “The young people are the ones who are used sometimes by politicians to promote violence,” Mapulanga said.

“But the bishops appeal to the young people, first of all, not to allow anyone to use them.”

Mapulanga said the bishops also encouraged young people to vote, saying democratic participation is the best way to pursue change.

The Catholic Church is working with other faith-based organisations and civil society groups through the Christian Churches Monitoring Group to observe and monitor the elections. “The Catholic Church is very concerned and has always been concerned,” Mapulanga said.

“The Catholic Church through Caritas Zambia is reaching out to other civil society organisations, reaching out also to the Christians that peace should prevail as we go towards the elections,” Mapulanga said.

Mapulanga also called on the police to act impartially during the election period, saying some citizens believe law enforcement is slower to act when violence is allegedly committed by ruling party supporters.

“We appeal to the police to be impartial or let them show that they are impartial,” Mapulanga said.

–ChannelAfrica–