IBA warns media houses not to predict election results as Zambia votes

51 Views The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has cautioned radio and television stations against airing predictions of election outcomes as Zambians prepare to vote this Thursday. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, IBA Director General Webster Malido said broadcasters must stick to verified information and avoid speculation that could mislead the public during the […]

51 Views

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has cautioned radio and television stations against airing predictions of election outcomes as Zambians prepare to vote this Thursday.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka, IBA Director General Webster Malido said broadcasters must stick to verified information and avoid speculation that could mislead the public during the voting period.

Malido also reminded media houses that no new opinion poll results should be broadcast before the close of polling.

He said the rule is meant to protect the integrity of the election and to ensure that voters make decisions without being influenced by late survey data.

For broadcasters that air opinion polls within the period when it is allowed, the Authority said they must provide full details to the audience.

That includes naming the source of the poll, the organisation that conducted it, the sponsor, the date the fieldwork was done, and the margin of error. According to Malido, leaving out that information makes it difficult for the public to assess how credible the numbers are.

The IBA said stations may still report on the voting process itself. That means giving updates on the progress of voting at polling stations, the start of counting, and the movement of results to tallying centres.

What is not allowed is to announce figures that have not been confirmed, or to share projections based on partial counts, exit interviews, or unofficial tallies.

Malido stressed that final election results should only be broadcast once they have been officially announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

He said relying on the ECZ declaration helps to avoid confusion, especially when early unofficial numbers differ from the official ones.

Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

Fourteen presidential candidates are contesting, and voters will also elect members of parliament and councillors on the same day.

With campaigns set to end on Wednesday, the media environment is expected to be closely watched in the final hours before voting.

The IBA noted that broadcast media still reaches millions of Zambians, particularly in areas where internet access is limited.

Because of that reach, the Authority said broadcasters carry a special responsibility to report accurately and to avoid language that could raise tension.

Media practitioners were urged to plan coverage around facts that can be confirmed. That includes turnout updates, logistical information from the ECZ, statements from political party agents, and general reports on how the process is unfolding. The IBA advised against using terms like “leading” or “set to win” unless they are quoting an official ECZ announcement.

Civil society organisations have supported the directive, saying clear rules help to maintain public trust. Some groups have also called on the IBA to monitor broadcasts closely on election day and to act quickly if any station violates the guidelines.

The Authority said it will be tracking coverage and engaging any broadcaster found to be in breach.

Malido appealed to editors and presenters to brief their teams ahead of Thursday so that everyone understands what can and cannot be aired.

The warning also covers fairness. The IBA reminded stations to give all contestants balanced coverage and to avoid content that could incite violence or hatred. With political temperatures high, the Authority said responsible journalism can contribute to a peaceful election.

In addition, the IBA repeated that the timing of opinion polls matters. Releasing new survey results while voting is still underway can create the impression that the outcome is already decided, and that undermines the principle of a free choice.

As the country counts down to voting day, the message from the regulator is clear. Stick to what can be verified, tell the audience where information comes from, and wait for the Electoral Commission to announce results.

For many voters, the way media houses handle reporting on Thursday and in the days after will shape confidence in both the election and in broadcasting as a public service.