Candidates competing in the general elections in Zambia must commit to reversing a growing pattern of authoritarian practices that threaten human rights, according to a report released by Amnesty International.

In a briefing titled “Authoritarian Practices Eating Away at Human Rights in Zambia,” the human rights organisation documents an escalating crackdown on the rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, association, and media freedom ahead of the vote.

While acknowledging certain positive steps taken since 2021, including the repeal of criminal defamation of the President, the abolition of the death penalty, and the enactment of an Access to Information Act, Amnesty International noted that authorities in Zambia have increasingly resorted to using vague, fast-tracked legislation to silence dissent and independent media.

According to the report, government authorities in Zambia continue to rely on the colonial-era Public Order Act to restrict public gatherings. Furthermore, civil society representatives, journalists, student leaders, and opposition figures interviewed in Zambia described experiencing routine harassment, unlawful surveillance, and intimidation for carrying out their work.

Amnesty International urged current authorities and incoming political leaders in Zambia to immediately halt the misuse of the legal system, repeal restrictive legislation such as the Non-Governmental Organisations Act and Cyber Crimes Act, and ensure full respect for human rights across the country.

–ChannelAfrica/ AmnestyInternational–