Zambia's Media Freedom Under Intense Scrutiny as 2026 Elections Loom

LUSAKA, Zambia – As Zambia inches closer to its pivotal 2026 general elections, the nation's commitment to media freedom and democratic principles faces increasing scrutiny. While the government asserts its dedication to an open media landscape, reports from local and international organizations paint a complex picture, detailing persistent challenges that include harassment, arrests, and the tightening grip of restrictive legislation on journalists. This evolving dynamic places the role of the press at the heart of concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the upcoming polls.

The Promise of a "New Dawn" Confronts Mounting Pressures

President Hakainde Hichilema's administration, which came to power in 2021, initially heralded a "new dawn" for press freedom, pledging to reverse a trend of democratic backsliding observed under previous leadership. Hopes were high for an expanded space for expression and a more independent media. However, recent assessments indicate that these aspirations are yet to be fully realized, with a palpable sense of apprehension settling over newsrooms nationwide.

A report by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) revealed a concerning deterioration in media freedoms between January and June 2024, with 68% of surveyed journalists indicating that conditions had worsened. Furthermore, a December 2024 MISA report stated that over 60% of people surveyed believed the media could not operate freely due to frequent instances of harassment and intimidation targeting journalists and bloggers. Another survey from late 2025 noted that 41% of journalists in Zambia reported experiencing harassment during that period. These figures suggest a disconnect between governmental assurances and the lived realities of media professionals, fostering an environment where critical reporting is increasingly viewed as a hazardous undertaking.

Legal Frameworks: Progress Counterbalanced by Restrictions

The legal landscape governing media operations in Zambia presents a duality of progress and regression. A significant development has been the enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Act. Assented to by President Hichilema in December 2023 and officially effective in June 2024, this landmark legislation grants citizens, media organizations, and civil society the legal right to access information held by public authorities. Touted as a tool to enhance public participation, promote good governance, and combat corruption, the ATI Act is seen by the government as a crucial step towards transparency, particularly vital during election periods when the spread of misinformation can be rampant. Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has lauded the law, with the Ministry implementing measures to safeguard information integrity ahead of the 2026 elections, including the establishment of the Zambia Action Coalition on Information Integrity.

Despite this positive legislative stride, concerns persist regarding the continued application of older, restrictive laws. Colonial-era statutes such as those pertaining to criminal defamation, sedition, and state security are still utilized against journalists, effectively criminalizing aspects of their work. Investigative journalist Thomas Zgambo's repeated arrests and ongoing legal battles for articles deemed critical by authorities serve as a stark reminder of these enduring challenges.

Further complicating the environment are the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Acts, which President Hichilema assented to in April 2025. Civil society organizations and legal bodies have voiced significant apprehension, arguing that certain provisions of these laws do not align with international human rights standards. Critics contend that these acts grant broad powers for surveillance and data interception without sufficient judicial oversight, creating a framework susceptible to arbitrary enforcement and potentially undermining fundamental freedoms of expression. Notably, the Cyber Crimes Act includes provisions that criminalize the dissemination of "false information" causing reputational damage, with potential penalties of up to two years imprisonment. The Law Association of Zambia has actively challenged key sections of these cyber laws, petitioning the High Court to declare them unconstitutional, citing infringements on freedom of expression, speech, conscience, association, and media freedom.

A Chilling Effect: Self-Censorship and Intimidation

The prevailing legal and operational environment has cultivated a climate of caution within Zambian newsrooms. Many journalists reportedly engage in self-censorship, abstaining from reporting on sensitive topics or issues perceived as critical of those in authority to avoid harassment, intimidation, or legal repercussions. The fear of device seizures and the threat of criminal charges are tangible factors influencing editorial decisions.

Beyond direct legal action, the weaponization of the Public Order Act of 1955 also contributes to an atmosphere of restricted discourse. This legislation, which allows authorities to prohibit gatherings not sanctioned by the police, is increasingly used to limit opposition activities. While not directly targeting media, the restriction of public assemblies often impacts journalists' ability to cover political events and opposition viewpoints, thereby narrowing the scope of public discourse.

The Digital Battleground Ahead of the Polls

The digital sphere is emerging as another critical battleground for information integrity and media freedom ahead of the 2026 elections. Past elections, such as in 2021, witnessed intentional blocking of social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, by authorities. Such actions severely hampered citizens' ability to communicate and access information, raising significant concerns about the potential for similar restrictions in 2026.

The government's stated commitment to combating misinformation and disinformation, while ostensibly aimed at fostering a healthy information environment, also carries the risk of being utilized to suppress dissenting voices online. The formation of the Zambia Action Coalition on Information Integrity in Elections, bringing together various stakeholders including government institutions and civil society, aims to address these challenges. However, the implementation of such initiatives will be closely watched to ensure they do not inadvertently curtail legitimate expression and critical reporting.

A Pivotal Moment for Zambia's Democracy

As Zambia approaches the 2026 general elections, the state of media freedom stands as a crucial indicator of the nation's democratic health. A free, independent, and pluralistic media is essential for informing the electorate, facilitating robust public debate, and ensuring accountability, all of which are cornerstones of credible elections.

The tension between the government's declared commitment to an open media space and the experiences reported by journalists and civil society organizations highlights a complex and challenging environment. The efficacy of the Access to Information Act, the application of cyber laws, and the conduct of authorities towards media professionals will undoubtedly shape perceptions of the fairness and transparency of the upcoming polls. The coming months will be a pivotal period, demanding sustained vigilance from all stakeholders to ensure that media freedom remains an inviolable democratic right in Zambia.