Christian Coalition Wants DCs and Permanent Secretaries Classified as Political Appointees

The Christian Coalition has called on government to remove District Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries from the civil service and instead formally classify the positions as political appointments.

The organisation argues that doing so would allow DCs and Permanent Secretaries to openly associate with and participate in activities of the political party in government.

In a statement issued on September 9, 2026, Governance and Elections Consultant Professor Charles Mwape said the Coalition intends to write to the Secretary to Cabinet proposing the change.

The Coalition argues that District Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries are already appointed on the basis of what it describes as political loyalty and service to the party in government.

It therefore believes the officials should be allowed to openly align themselves with the governing party rather than continue to be treated as politically neutral civil servants.

The proposal could, however, reignite debate around the political neutrality and professionalism of Zambia's civil service, particularly where senior government administrators are concerned.

The Christian Coalition has also called on President Hakainde Hichilema to reintroduce Deputy Ministers, arguing that the positions would improve service delivery and ensure matters requiring ministerial attention are dealt with more quickly. The organisation says it plans to write to the President over the proposal.

It has further proposed the reintroduction of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, saying the two ministries would improve coordination in their respective sectors.

The proposals come as Zambia begins a new five-year political cycle following the 2026 General Election and attention turns to the structure and composition of President Hichilema's next administration