Zambia's media freedom under scrutiny ahead of 2026 elections

LUSAKA – As Zambia steadily approaches the pivotal 2026 general elections, the state of media freedom in the country has emerged as a critical point of discussion, with advocates asserting that the integrity of the democratic process will be significantly tested by the independence and impartiality of its journalists. Media rights organisations, both local and international, are sounding an alarm over what they perceive as a confluence of legal, economic, and political pressures that could impede fair and comprehensive election coverage. While there have been some positive acknowledgements regarding the current administration's stance on media engagement, particularly in comparison to previous eras, concerns persist regarding the practical implementation of these commitments. Critics point to the continued existence of restrictive legislation, such as the Public Order Act, which, despite recent amendments, can still be weaponised to control public gatherings and, by extension, journalistic access to political events. Furthermore, the economic vulnerabilities of many media houses, often reliant on government advertising or facing financial precarity, create an environment susceptible to subtle and overt influence, potentially compromising editorial independence. Political pressures are also a significant factor. As the election cycle heats up, there is an observable trend of increased scrutiny and sometimes intimidation directed at journalists perceived to be critical of the ruling party or sympathetic to the opposition. This can manifest in various forms, from online harassment campaigns to more direct threats, fostering a climate of self-censorship. The uneven distribution of access to government officials and resources, often favouring state-owned or aligned media, further exacerbates the challenge for independent outlets to provide balanced coverage. Stakeholders are urging the Zambian government to not only uphold its constitutional guarantees of freedom of e