Amnesty International Warns Against Rising Authoritarianism in Zambia Ahead of 2026 Elections

The organization stated that candidates must commit to reversing a pattern of authoritarian practices that threaten human rights before, during, and after the polls.

In a briefing titled “Authoritarian Practices Eating Away at Human Rights in Zambia: Escalating crackdown on human rights ahead of the 2026 general elections,” the organization documented the use of vague and fast-tracked laws to curtail civic participation. This development follows a 2021 election where voters sought change based on promises to respect human rights.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated that authorities have used the law to criminalize peaceful dissent and silence independent media.

“In 2021, Zambians voted in the hope for change following promises to respect human rights. Instead, authorities have resorted to the familiar playbook of using the law to criminalize peaceful dissent and silence independent media.” — Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

The briefing acknowledged some reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of criminal defamation of the president, and the enactment of the Access to Information Act. However, Amnesty International claims these gains are offset by a pattern of misusing the criminal justice system to entrench political power.

To gather data for the report, Amnesty International interviewed 14 human rights defenders and civil society representatives, including faith-based organization members, as well as seven journalists, four student leaders, and two opposition politicians in May 2026. These individuals reported a pattern of harassment and intimidation linked to their professional activities.

“These laws have not only been used as the key tools for restricting dissent but also unleashing the punitive power of the state. The result is weaker accountability for human rights violations, erosion of the rule of law, and increasing barriers to access information.” — Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

Legislative Restrictions on Civil Society and Assembly

Amnesty International identified the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Bill as a primary threat to the freedom of association. According to the briefing, the bill would grant the government extensive powers to regulate, suspend, and dissolve civil society organizations, which would undermine their independence and their ability to promote transparency.

The organization also highlighted the continued use of the Public Order Act, a colonial-era law that restricts peaceful assembly. While Parliament passed the Public Gatherings Bill on May 12, 2026, to replace the 1955 Act, President Hakainde Hichilema has not assented to the bill. The president cited inconsistencies between the bill and established judicial precedents.

The briefing noted that the cancellation of RightsCon, a global tech and human rights conference, in May 2026 served as an example of the tightening restrictions on civic space in Zambia.

Cyber Laws and Media Freedom

The report documents the impact of the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act 2025. These laws replaced the 2021 Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act but, according to Amnesty International, continue to allow arbitrary interference with personal data, property, and private communications.

Amnesty International claims these laws are being used to arrest opposition politicians, activists, and journalists. This has created a climate of self-censorship and fear.

“The Cyber Crimes Act, particularly its provisions relating to defamation and harassment, raises serious concerns for human rights including the right to freedom of expression. It has become a tool to silence independent media and government critics, and to suppress public debate at a time when scrutiny of government actions and media freedom are essential ahead of the elections.” — Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

Journalists interviewed by the organization reported unlawful surveillance and criminal investigations, specifically when reporting on politically sensitive issues, human rights abuses, or corruption allegations.

Public Participation and Political Impunity

The briefing argues that the Zambian government frequently fast-tracks legislation, with lawmakers voting on numerous bills within a few days. Civil society organizations told Amnesty International that parliamentary consultations are often treated as procedural formalities rather than meaningful engagement.

The research further found that attacks against opposition members are not routinely investigated, which the organization says contributes to a climate of impunity. Amnesty International is calling for the repeal of the Public Order Act and a revision of the NGO bill to align with international human rights standards.

“As Zambia goes to the polls, the authorities must immediately end the misuse of laws to suppress the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and media freedom. The next government should prioritize repealing or amending laws that are incompatible with Zambia’s Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.” — Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa