FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 JULY 2026
ELECTIONS SHOULD BE ABOUT IDEOLOGIES, NOT FISTS…
“One life lost is too many”
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) is deeply saddened by the two separate suspected cases of politically related killings reported in Kaputa District and Mazabuka District.
According to reports, an identified man was allegedly killed in an incident that the Zambia Police Service is investigating as suspected political violence. In a separate incident, a man believed to have been a driver for an independent aspiring parliamentary candidate for Magoye Constituency was found dead at a campaign camp in Chivuna.
As the Council of Churches in Zambia, we have taken note of the ongoing police investigations and the arrest of some suspects.
We categorically condemn all acts of politically motivated violence and killings.
Such acts have no place in our democracy. Elections should be a contest of ideas, policies, and visions for national development not fists, violence and bloodshed.
One life lost is one too many. Behind every life taken is a grieving family, children who may grow up without a parent, and communities left traumatized.
We must ask ourselves: Is this the Zambia we desire? No political ambition or difference in opinion is worth the loss of human life.
The Scripture remind us in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
We therefore strongly urge all political leaders to reject violence in all its forms and to refrain from influencing, encouraging, or sponsoring attacks against political opponents.
Leadership is demonstrated through service, integrity, and respect for human life not through intimidation or the pursuit of power at any cost.
Let political parties and candidates present their visions to the people of Zambia and allow citizens to make their choices peacefully and freely.
We also appeal to our young people not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence.
Elections come and go, but the consequences of criminal acts can last a lifetime.
Those who sponsor violence often remain in the safety of their homes while those they manipulate face arrest, imprisonment, and the emotional and financial burden placed on their families. Your future is far more valuable than any temporary political reward.
We further call upon law enforcement agencies to remain highly vigilant and enhance security measures as political campaigns intensify across the country.
The safety of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, must be protected, and all perpetrators of political violence must be brought to justice without fear or favour.
Peace is a shared responsibility. We therefore call upon political leaders, candidates, supporters, traditional leaders, faith communities, civil society, and every Zambian citizen to reject violence and uphold peace, tolerance, and respect for one another throughout the electoral process.
May the peace of God continue to reign in our nation as we prepare for the 2026 General Elections.
Rev. Canon James Phiri
General Secretary
Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ)
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