Government Rejects EU Claims of National Broadcaster Bias, Defends Handling of 2026 Elections

The Zambian Government has challenged several findings in the European Union Election Observation Mission’s final report on the August 13, 2026 general elections, arguing that the assessment failed to adequately consider Zambia’s constitutional history, media environment and national security circumstances.

In a statement issued on November 3, Information and Media Minister Elvis Nkandu acknowledged the EU mission’s positive observations about the electoral process but disputed concerns surrounding constitutional amendments introduced close to the elections. He argued that previous administrations, including those of Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba and Edgar Lungu, had also undertaken significant constitutional or electoral reforms during election years, making the 2026 changes neither unprecedented nor unique to President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.

Nkandu also rejected the EU mission’s assessment that the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) was overwhelmingly biased towards the incumbent. He maintained that opposition parties had opportunities to purchase political advertising on equal commercial terms and that coverage of presidential activities reflected ZNBC’s responsibility to report on government programmes. The Minister further argued that election observers did not necessarily have access to sensitive security information concerning investigations into alleged criminal activities involving some political actors.

While welcoming constructive criticism, Nkandu said the Government believed the EU report would have presented a more balanced assessment if it had included wider consultation with state institutions and greater consideration of Zambia’s historical circumstances. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to media freedom, constitutional rights and continued engagement with the European Union and other stakeholders on strengthening democratic governance.