Although we are only getting started, we aim to progressively extend our coverage of countries around the world.
5.8
Full democracyFlawed democracyHybrid regimeAuthoritarian regime
55
GoodSatisfactoryProblematicDifficultVery Serious
Zambia’s political system features regular multiparty elections, and some civil liberties are respected. However, opposition parties face onerous legal and practical obstacles to fair competition, and the government regularly invokes restrictive laws to narrow political space. In 2021, Zambia experienced its third democratic transfer of power when the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) won presidential and legislative elections.
Internet freedom declined during the coverage period as the government blocked access to social media and communication platforms during the August 2021 general elections, where Zambians election opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema in a landslide victory. In a landmark victory, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) agreed to act within its legal authority and increase transparency around internet disruptions as a result of a lawsuit filed by a local human rights–focused nongovernmental organization (NGO), Chapter One Foundation. Authorities continued to arrest and intimidate people who criticized President Edgar Lungu online, resulting in increased self-censorship among internet users.