In the tense atmosphere leading up to Zambia’s general elections on August 13, Amnesty International has issued a cautionary note on the nation’s democratic integrity. The organization is urging candidates to commit to reversing what it describes as an authoritarian decline that threatens fundamental freedoms. According to a report from JURIST, this warning highlights the contrast between the political promises of the current administration and the deteriorating situation on the ground.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, criticized the continued use of the law to criminalize dissent and stifle independent media. This situation echoes concerns around legislative tools such as the Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act of 2025, which have become mechanisms for suppressing public debate and silencing government critics. In a notable incident, journalist MacPherson Mukuka was detained in July following allegations of publishing a recording that implicated public servants in discussions of election tactics.
Alarmingly, Zambian courts and newly enacted cyber laws have drawn criticism for restricting press freedom. A proposed bill concerning Non-Governmental Organizations threatens the independence of civil society by granting the government substantial control over their operations. Amnesty has specifically called attention to a Public Gatherings Bill, initially passed by Parliament but rejected by President Hakainde Hichilema, citing legal inconsistencies. The cancellation of human rights conferences like RightsCon in May 2026 underscores the diminishing civic space in the country.
Zambia’s obligations under international frameworks such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights stress the protection of expression, assembly, and association rights. Despite legal reforms since 2021, including decriminalizing defamation against the president and abolishing the death penalty, recent events suggest these advancements are being compromised. Authorities have increasingly employed legal instruments to silence opposition, restrict media freedom, and limit peaceful protests, raising concerns regarding the government’s commitment to its reform agenda.
The call for action extends to repealing or amending laws that conflict with the Zambian Constitution and international human rights obligations. Amnesty International emphasizes that comprehensive legal reform is essential to restore trust in public institutions and break the cycle of repression. This assertive stance comes at a critical juncture, as Thursday’s vote marks the first general election since Hichilema assumed office on a platform of democratic reform, now seen as undermined by growing civic restrictions.
The situation in Zambia reflects a broader global trend of shrinking civic spaces, as highlighted in the latest CIVICUS Monitor report, which tracks violations of civic freedoms worldwide. The outcome of the elections could significantly influence Zambia’s future trajectory concerning democracy and human rights.