As Zambia approaches its general election on August 13, 2026, the Net Rights Coalition, a network of Internet freedom activists exchanging knowledge and experiences to defend digital rights, urges the government to uphold and advance these rights.
The incident comes as legal and civil society organisations have petitioned the High Court, arguing that aspects of Zambia’s Cyber Security Act No 3 of 2025 and Cyber Crimes Act No 4 of 2025, including provisions relating to surveillance and the interception of communications, could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression, investigative journalism and civic participation.
The arrest, detention and summoning of members of the fourth estate signal a chilling environment for the media ahead of the general elections on August 13, 2026, highlighting the growing need to ensure that cyber legislation strikes an appropriate balance between protecting legitimate privacy interests and preserving the public’s right to information, particularly during election periods. It points to the need for cyber laws to be implemented transparently and proportionately.
Zambia experienced a state-imposed internet shutdown in August 2021, the first of its kind in the country, which coincided with the presidential elections and affected social media platforms.
As Zambians prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, the government should uphold digital rights. Guaranteeing unrestricted access to information and opportunities for free speech, assembly and association will make the election process more inclusive, transparent and fair.
The internet and social media provide forums for communication, public debate, access to election-related information and holding governments accountable. These digital platforms enable journalists, human rights activists and election observers to report on and cover elections more effectively.
Across Africa, elections are increasingly shaped by digital technologies as citizens rely on online platforms to access information and participate in democratic processes.
We remind the government of Zambia of Article 19 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) that states that each State Party shall guarantee conditions of security, free access to information, non-interference, freedom of movement and full cooperation with the electoral observer mission.
To enable this free access, a thriving information ecosystem is key. One of ACDEG’s primary objectives is to promote the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability in the management of public affairs.
We also remind the government of Zambia of Principle 38(2) of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which states that governments shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.
This is reinforced by the ACHPR Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa, which calls on state parties to take the necessary legislative and other measures to ensure unrestricted and uninterrupted access to the internet in the period leading up to, during and after elections.
As Zambia heads toward its general elections, we urge all public institutions and the government to:
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Promote an enabling environment for the media to operate and disseminate information freely during elections.
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Promote open access to the internet, social media and all other communication platforms before, during and after the election.
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Amend legislation that impedes the exercise of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, privacy, access to information and media freedom.
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Signed:
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Accountability Lab Nigeria
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Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs Media
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African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA)
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Ambassadors Charity Trust (ACT)-Malawi
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Avocats Sans Frontières France
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Bloggers of Zambia
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Centre for Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Governance in Africa (CAIEGA)
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Community Podium-Zimbabwe
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Common Cause Zambia
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Community Initiative for Social Empowerment (CISE – Malawi)
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Digicivic Initiative
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Digital Action
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Digital Initiative for Innovation and Development (DIID)
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HakiDigital Initiative
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Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria
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Kigali Human Rights Attorneys and Partners
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Koneta Hub – South Sudan
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Lim Nguen Foundation (LNF)-South Sudan
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MakanDay Centre for Investigative Journalism
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Paradigm Initiative
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Southern African Digital Inclusion Alliance Malawi
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West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition
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World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) – Nigeria
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Youth and Society (YAS)
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Zambia Free Press Initiative
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Zambian Cyber Security Initiative
