ZAMBIA: Uphold Tenets of Peace, Bishop Chisanga Urges Politicians as Zambia heads Towards Tripartite Elections
Mwenya Mukuka
As Zambia heads to the general polls in August, 2021, Mansa Catholic Diocese prelate Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga has urged political parties in Zambia to uphold tenets of peace, dialogue co-existence, respect for the rule of law, divergent views and human rights.
Bishop Chisanga further said the government needs to guarantee a level playing field for all the participants in the elections.
“The Government ought to guarantee a level playing field for all the participants in the elections and ensure that ground rules are followed by all players,” said the Bishop.
The Bishop has since pledged to engage the stakeholders in dialogue and safeguarding of peace as well as to continue praying that peace prevails upon Zambia during the forthcoming tripartite elections.
He indicated that the Diocesan Jubilee Year theme ‘Mission for Peace’ which is coinciding with the anticipated August 2021Trapatite Elections makes the church’s theme more urgent and focused.
“Mansa Diocese denounces all forms of violence, especially political violence, because it disturbs the democratic process and freedom of citizens,” observed Bishop Chisanga.
Meanwhile the Diocese has encouraged politicians to go to their respective churches to pray rather than trotting from one church to another for purposes of political campaign.
Zambia News and Information Services reports that Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga in his Advent message for 2020, said his diocese will not allow politicians to make speeches in church in the name of greeting the people during liturgical celebration.
“It should be clear to everyone that churches are sacred places set aside for exclusively worship and related functions,” observed Bishop Chisanga.
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