Group warns of shrinking civic space, calls for urgent democratic reforms

Operation Young Vote (OYV) has cautioned that Zambia risked losing its hard-earned democratic credentials if urgent steps were not taken to protect civic space, strengthen institutions, and safeguard citizens’ freedoms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Democracy, OYV Executive Director, Guess Nyirenda, said Zambia’s democracy was “under serious threat,” pointing to what he described as weakened governance, institutional capture, and shrinking freedoms.

“Democracy should mean government of the people, by the people, and for the people, yet the happenings in the country today paint a worrying picture of harassment, intimidation, and legal persecution of political parties, civil society, and ordinary citizens who dare to speak out,” Nyirenda said.

He accused authorities of weaponizing laws such as the Public Order Act and the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to silence dissent, while alleging selective application of justice that shields politically connected individuals from accountability.

Nyirenda added that key institutions such as the judiciary, parliament, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, and oversight bodies continued to suffer political interference, eroding public trust.

Highlighting concerns over corruption, exclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities from decision-making, and misuse of public resources, Nyirenda called for urgent reforms.

These included the repeal or amendment of repressive laws, enactment of the Public Gatherings and Political Parties Bills, full implementation of the Access to Information Act, and strengthened independence of oversight institutions.

He further demanded swift and transparent prosecution of corruption cases without political interference and enhanced protection of civic space and human rights defenders.

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