Ahead of Zambia’s General Elections on 13 August 2026, editors and key media and electoral stakeholders pledged to uphold ethical election reporting and adhere to the Elections Code of Conduct Guidelines developed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The commitment was formalised through the signing of the Zambian General Election Media Code of Conduct Pledge 2026 during a capacity-building training held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 14 to 16 July 2026.
The pledge reflects the Zambian media’s commitment to self-regulation and responsible journalism, with media houses agreeing to hold one another accountable for delivering balanced, accurate and factual election coverage throughout the 2026 electoral process.
Over the three-day training, editors and reporters strengthened their understanding of Zambia’s electoral process, election story development and ethical standards for election reporting. Participants took part in practical sessions and presentations covering key aspects of elections reporting, information integrity, media regulation and inclusive journalism.
Opening the training, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana emphasized the vital role of the media in safeguarding democratic processes by providing citizens with credible and verified election information.
Resist disinformation spread through rogue platforms and instead prioritize fact-based reporting, balanced representation of competing viewpoints, and responsible journalism.
Mr. Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media urged journalists.
To deepen participants’ understanding of the voting process, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) established a mock polling station where journalists experienced the voting process firsthand. The practical exercise was followed by group work to develop election stories, identify voter-centred reporting angles and strengthen inclusive reporting on women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the official opening, Ms. Alice Saili, Team Leader for UNESCO Zambia, underscored the media’s responsibility as gatekeepers of information and custodians of information integrity.
Your leadership will be essential in ensuring that election coverage informs rather than misleads, unites rather than divides, and contributes positively to democratic participation.
Ms. Alice Saili, Team Leader for UNESCO Zambia
The Zambia Police Service also highlighted its role in protecting journalists and promoting a safe environment for election coverage. Police officials encouraged media practitioners to cooperate with law enforcement officers, particularly in volatile situations, while reminding journalists to wear official press jackets and carry accredited identification at all times to facilitate easy recognition.
The training was convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Deepening Democracy Project (DDP), in partnership with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and MISA Zambia.
UNDP’s Deepening Democracy Project (2025–2027) recognises the media as a key pillar in promoting credible, transparent and inclusive elections. The project is supported through generous contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom via the UNDP Funding Windows. As UNDP’s primary mechanism for flexible and pooled thematic funding, the Funding Windows enable the organisation to respond rapidly and effectively to evolving development needs and democratic governance priorities.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/zambias-media-pledge-ethical-election-coverage-ahead-upcoming-august-polls?hub=701
