Amnesty warns stalled reforms risk reversing human rights gains ahead of Thursday polls

Amnesty International has urged candidates in Zambia’s 13 August general elections to commit to reversing a growing pattern of authoritarian practices that threaten human rights before, during and after the polls. In a new 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 intensified restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, association, expression and media freedom. The briefing said authorities had used broadly vague and hurriedly passed laws to curtail participation ahead of the elections, and notes a history of fast-tracked legislation that limits public participation in law-making.

Amnesty acknowledged some reforms since 2021 including the repeal of criminal defamation of the president, abolition of the death penalty, and enactment of the Access to Information Act, but said these had been undermined by misuse of other laws. “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,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

Chagutah said Amnesty interviewed 14 human rights defenders and civil society representatives, seven journalists, four student leaders and two opposition politicians in May 2026 who described patterns of intimidation, harassment and other violations linked to their legitimate work. “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,” he said.

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Chagutah highlighted the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations Bill before Parliament, warning it would grant government excessive powers over registration, regulation, suspension and dissolution of CSOs and seriously undermine their independence. The briefing also cited the cancellation of RightsCon in May 2026 as evidence of shrinking civic space, and called for repeal of the NGO Act and revision of the proposed bill to comply with international standards. On public assembly, Amnesty noted the continued operation of the colonial-era Public Order Act however, Parliament passed a Public Gatherings Bill on May 12, 2026 to replace it, but President Hakainde Hichilema declined assent citing inconsistencies with established judicial precedents.

Amnesty reiterated calls for repeal of the Public Order Act and a comprehensive review of the Public Gatherings Bill to ensure regulation facilitates rather than restricts peaceful assembly. The organization also flagged the Cyber Security Act and Cyber Crimes Act 2025, saying broad powers in the laws interfere with private communication and restrict freedom of expression, association and conscience. “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,” the organisation said.

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