Zambia's media freedom advocates say the country's democratic progress will be tested by how freely journalists can report during the campaign period.
While media rights groups acknowledge improvements since President Hakainde Hichilema took office in 2021, they say structural, legal, and economic pressures continue to threaten independent journalism ahead of what is expected to be a highly contested vote.
Concerns over fair political coverage in Zambia
Opposition parties and media freedom groups say unequal access to public media remains one of the biggest concerns ahead of the elections.
"It has always been like that to a certain extent; it is even worse now," opposition National Democratic Party leader Saboi Imboela told DW, arguing state-owned media gives more coverage to the ruling party, while opposition voices largely rely on private outlets.
