The Archdiocese of Lusaka has confirmed that its August 12 candlelight prayer service for peace will proceed as scheduled, rejecting a UPND request to cancel the event over concerns it could be seen as political on the eve of the election.
A Request Rooted in Symbol Concerns
The dispute began when UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda wrote to Marian Shrine Rector Father Felix Banda and the Electoral Commission of Zambia, arguing that the planned candlelight service, announced in an August 4 circular calling on parishes to pray for peace ahead of polling day, could be perceived as political since a candle and lamp are official symbols of rival parties contesting the election. Imenda warned the event could draw supporters of those parties and risk turning a religious gathering into a political procession.
The request drew swift pushback. Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali urged ECZ to reject it outright, arguing the Commission has no constitutional authority over religious practices and that regulating a church service falls outside its mandate. The MMD’s Chris Sichilima pointed out the apparent inconsistency of UPND objecting to candles while campaigning under its own “Salt Sana” slogan, while also noting past precedent of the Catholic Church’s “praying hands” symbol never being challenged despite political parties using similar imagery.
Church Holds Firm, UPND Shifts Tack
The Archdiocese of Lusaka formally responded on August 8, stating unequivocally that the candlelight prayers would proceed across all parishes as planned, describing the service as purely spiritual and intended to invoke peace over the electoral process. Following that confirmation, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe said the party would not block the service, but confirmed members would attend in large numbers carrying “Zambia Forward” placards while raising their hands in prayer, arguing that if candles were permissible, so were the party’s own materials. Simuuwe also alleged, without independent verification, that individuals linked to the NRPUP had been involved in organising the procession.
