Net Rights Coalition urges Zambia to protect digital rights ahead of elections
The Net Rights Coalition is calling on the Zambian government to protect freedom of expression, media freedom and access to the internet before, during and after the 13 August 2026 general elections.
The Net Rights Coalition, a network of organisations working on digital rights, has called on the Zambian government to uphold digital rights as the country prepares for its general elections on 13 August 2026.
The Coalition raised concerns over recent arrests, detentions and summonses involving Zambian journalists under the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. Legal and civil society organisations have also petitioned the High Court, arguing that provisions of the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025 and Cyber Crimes Act could affect privacy, freedom of expression, investigative journalism and civic participation.
The Coalition said the use of cybercrime legislation should be transparent and proportionate, particularly during elections when access to information and public debate are important for democratic participation.
It also recalled Zambia’s 2021 internet shutdown, when access to several social media platforms was disrupted during the presidential election. The Coalition said unrestricted access to the internet and digital platforms is important for journalists, human rights defenders, election observers and citizens to communicate, access information and participate in public debate.
The statement refers to regional commitments, including Article 19 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and 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. The latter states that governments should not disrupt access to the internet or other digital technologies.
The Coalition is calling on Zambian authorities to maintain an environment where media organisations can operate freely, ensure open access to the internet and communication platforms before, during and after the elections, and amend legislation that restricts fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, privacy, access to information and media freedom.
Signed:
- Accountability Lab Nigeria
- Afia-Amani Grands-Lacs Media
- African Internet Rights Alliance (AIRA)
- Ambassadors Charity Trust (ACT)-Malawi
- Avocats Sans Frontières France
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Governance in Africa (CAIEGA)
- Community Podium-Zimbabwe
- Community Initiative for Social Empowerment (CISE – Malawi)
- Digicivic Initiative
- Digital Action
- Digital Initiative for Innovation and Development (DIID)
- HakiDigital Initiative
- Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria
- Kigali Human Rights Attorneys and Partners
- Koneta Hub – South Sudan
- Lim Nguen Foundation (LNF)-South Sudan
- Paradigm Initiative
- West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition
- World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) – Nigeria
