Net Rights Coalition Urges Zambia to Protect Digital Rights Ahead of August 13 Elections

Osmara Digital Media-Zambia in Focus

LUSAKA, Zambia — August 7, 2026: The Net Rights Coalition has called on the Zambian government to uphold digital rights and protect freedom of expression as the country prepares for its general elections on August 13. The coalition, a network of Internet freedom activists working to defend digital rights, raised concerns over what it described as a decline in civic freedoms, including the arrest, detention and summoning of journalists under Zambia’s Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The concerns come amid growing debate over the impact of Zambia’s cyber legislation on freedom of expression, investigative journalism and civic participation. Legal and civil society organisations have petitioned the High Court, challenging aspects of the Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025 and the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025. The organisations argue that provisions concerning surveillance and interception of communications could have far-reaching implications for citizens’ rights and the media. The coalition said the arrest and detention of journalists ahead of the elections could create a chilling environment for the media and limit the public’s access to information. It urged authorities to ensure that cyber laws are implemented transparently, proportionately and in a manner that protects legitimate privacy interests without undermining the public’s right to information. Concerns over internet access The coalition also recalled Zambia’s state-imposed Internet shutdown in August 2021, which coincided with the country’s presidential elections and affected access to social media platforms. With Zambians preparing to vote on August 13, the coalition urged the government to guarantee unrestricted access to information and protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. It said the Internet and social media have become important platforms for public debate, access to election-related information and holding public institutions accountable. Digital platforms also enable journalists, human rights defenders and election observers to report on electoral processes more effectively, the coalition noted. Regional digital rights obligations The Net Rights Coalition further reminded the Zambian government of its obligations under Article 19 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which calls for conditions that support free access to information, citizen participation, transparency, freedom of the press and accountability. The coalition also cited 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 should not disrupt or condone disruption of Internet access for sections of the public or the entire population. The coalition said this position is further reinforced by African Commission Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa, which calls on states to take measures to guarantee unrestricted and uninterrupted Internet access before, during and after elections. Call for government action As Zambia heads toward the August 13 general elections, the coalition called on public institutions and the government to protect digital rights and ensure that citizens can freely access information and communicate online. It stressed that a free and open digital environment is essential for credible elections, particularly as more citizens rely on online platforms to engage in political debate, follow electoral developments and participate in democratic processes. The coalition warned that restrictions on digital platforms, intimidation of journalists or disproportionate use of cyber laws could undermine public confidence and limit meaningful citizen participation in the electoral process. It called for an election environment in which journalists, election observers, civil society organisations and citizens can operate without fear of unlawful surveillance, censorship, arrest or disruption of Internet access. The coalition said protecting digital rights is not only important for the August 13 elections but also for strengthening Zambia’s democratic institutions and civic space beyond the election period.