By JAMES KUNDA –
THE Catholic Church has commended President Edgar Lungu for taking a bold decision to assent to the Constitution amendments, and has advised against the abuse of Press freedom through hate speech and tribal talk as the country heads to the August 11 tripartite elections.
According to a pastoral letter issued by more than 10 Catholic bishops, the Church has commended Mr Lungu for assenting to the amended Constitution, but has urged the Government to make available the amended clauses.
Meanwhile, the bishops have urged the media to provide equitable coverage in the electoral process and avoid being fronts of partisan politics.
“We call upon the media to be professional by reporting truthfully, objectively and factually as they inform the public. We urge them to provide equitable coverage in the electoral process and avoid being fronts of partisan politics.
“Whichever media platform one uses should not fuel hate speech or insults in the name of the right to freely express oneself. We also want a responsible use and reception of social media,” reads the pastoral letter.
The Catholic Church wants to see a media landscape that is not polarised, where the public media is pro-ruling party while the private media is pro-opposition parties.
“We urge the public media to be professional, ensure full and fair coverage of all political parties. We also want to see a private and community-based media that remains professional, accommodative and inclusive in its covering of issues,” reads the pastoral letter.
The bishops challenged politicians to exercise genuine commitment to democratic values by renouncing violence and hate speech.
“Politicians must educate their members to respect other players and recognise their rights. They should focus on issues in their campaigns rather than making personal attacks,” the clergy said.
The bishops also urged youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow, to start exercising leadership in the present time.
“We advise the youths to claim their genuine political space in the electoral process by refusing to be used as mere tools of violence by politicians. We appeal to the youth to accept and tolerate divergent views,” they stated.
The clergy also urged Christians to use their prophetic voice in communities to promote unity in the country.
Christians should renounce any politician using the churches and liturgical functions as campaign forums.
“We call upon our fellow Church leaders, including Catholic priests, to remain non-partisan yet vigilant.
“They must also keep the prophetic voice alive to denounce all forms of electoral malpractice and political violence,” the clergy said.

. MPUNDU

The pastoral letter was signed in Lusaka by Lusaka Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, Ndola Bishop Alick Banda, Kasama Archbishop and Mpika administrator Ignatius Chama, Livingstone Bishop Raymond Mpezele and his Chipata counterpart George Lungu.
Others who assented to the document are Solwezi Bishop Charles Kasonde and his counterparts for Mongu Evans Chinyemba, Clement Mulenga of Kabwe, Patrick Chisanga (Mansa) and Moses Mpezele (Livingstone).
Others are Chipata auxiliary Bishop Benjamin Phiri, Mansa Emeritus Bishop Aaron Chisha and Mpika Bishop-elect Justin Mulenga.