By Francis Chipalo With 29 days to go until the August 13, 2026 General Elections Founder of the Free Press Initiative Joan Chirwa has called on political leaders and their supporters to respect media freedom and guarantee the safety of journalists. Chirwa said while national attention is on electing leaders, her immediate concern is ensuring […]

By Francis Chipalo

With 29 days to go until the August 13, 2026 General Elections Founder of the Free Press Initiative Joan Chirwa has called on political leaders and their supporters to respect media freedom and guarantee the safety of journalists.

Chirwa said while national attention is on electing leaders, her immediate concern is ensuring that journalists can work freely and safely.

“While many are focused on electing our ‘servants,’ my focus is on protecting my journalists,” she said.

Chirwa urged political parties, campaign teams, and security personnel to respect the constitutional right of journalists to gather and disseminate information.

“Political leaders and their supporters must respect the rights of journalists to gather and share information with the public that depends on it to make informed choices,”she stated.

She noted that access to accurate, timely and unbiased information is critical for citizens to make informed decisions at the ballot.

The Free Press Initiative Founder appealed for an election environment free of intimidation, harassment and obstruction of the media during rallies, campaigns, and on polling day.

She said attacks or restrictions on journalists undermine democracy and the public’s right to know.

The Free Press Initiative is a Zambian media rights organization that advocates for press freedom, journalist safety, and access to information.

Zambia will hold Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections on August 13, 2026