The Commonwealth has announced plans to advance the next phase of national political dialogue in Zambia, involving President Hakainde Hichilema and former President Edgar Lungu, as part of ongoing efforts to address constitutional and electoral concerns.

According to the announcement, a steering committee is expected to be launched in the coming weeks to guide the dialogue process. The talks are intended to focus on long-standing issues, including constitutional reforms, electoral disputes, and political tensions stemming from previous election cycles.

Dialogue Framework Taking Shape

The Commonwealth said the forthcoming phase builds on earlier engagements aimed at fostering political stability and inclusive governance in Zambia. While no specific timetable has been released, officials indicated that the steering committee would play a central role in setting the agenda, structure, and scope of the discussions.

The initiative seeks to provide a formal platform for engagement between the current administration and opposition figures linked to past electoral disputes.

Background to the Talks

Zambia has experienced periods of political polarization in recent years, particularly surrounding contested elections and constitutional interpretation. Calls for dialogue have been raised by civil society groups, faith leaders, and international partners as a means of strengthening democratic institutions and restoring trust in the electoral process.

The Commonwealth has previously supported mediation and governance initiatives in Zambia, emphasizing peaceful political engagement and adherence to democratic norms.

Cautious Optimism

Political observers note that while the announcement marks a step forward, the success of the dialogue will depend on broad participation, clear mandates, and sustained commitment from all parties involved.

As of publication, neither President Hichilema nor former President Lungu had issued detailed public statements outlining their expectations for the talks.