Access Now urges Zambia to keep the internet on during the August 2026 general election

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition urged Zambia’s government and major internet providers not to disrupt internet access during the country’s August 13, 2026 general election. The appeal points to Zambia’s 2021 election-period internet shutdown, cites a government commitment not to repeat it, and warns that the Cybercrimes Act and Cybersecurity Act could further restrict online expression and access to information during the vote.
Why it matters: Election-time internet shutdowns can block communication, reporting, and access to information for voters, journalists, and observers. This matters now because Zambia’s election is imminent, and any disruption would have immediate public-impact and censorship consequences.

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#KeepItOn: Government of Zambia must uphold human rights and ensure unrestricted internet access throughout the upcoming elections
Felicia Anthonio 2026.08.05 100% relevant
This article establishes a distinct story centered on the risk of election-related internet restrictions in Zambia and the public call for the government and ISPs to preserve unrestricted access during the 2026 election.
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