The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has called for enhanced protection of press freedom as Zambia heads to the General Elections which will be conducted on 13th August 2026.

HRC-Z Director for Education, Training and Advocacy, Mr. Mweelwa Muleya, made the call when addressing various stakeholders at an engagement meeting on human rights and elections, held on 13th February 2026 at the Ndola Council Chambers, in Ndola, Copperbelt Province.

Mr. Muleya noted that media houses have an important responsibility to provide equal coverage to all political players in the 2026 General Elections as a way of ensuring that the voters are well informed ahead of the elections.

He stressed that the integrity of the democratic process depends on the media’s role to gather news and report on electoral activities without fear of intimidation or harassment.

Mr. Muleya, however, cautioned that freedom of expression is not absolute. Under the Zambian Constitution, this right is subject to limitations necessary for ensuring public order, public safety, public morality, and national security, as well as the protection of the rights and reputation of others.

He stated that while the media should be free to cover diverse voices, this freedom must not be used to incite violence, propagate hate speech or compromise the peace that Zambia is known for.

He also called on State and Non-State Actors to collaborate effectively in safeguarding human rights and freedoms throughout the 2026 electoral process.