Don’t announce unverified election results, IBA tells media ahead of next week’s General elections
THE Independent Broadcasting Authority—IBA has put media houses on notice ahead of the next week, August 13 General Election, urging strict adherence to professionalism, balance, and verified information to safeguard democracy and national peace.
Speaking during a joint appearance on Ndola’s Rooster FM, IBA Board Member Elizabeth Chanda said the media’s responsibility during an election cycle extends far beyond reporting events.
“The media plays a critical role in safeguarding democracy by ensuring the public receives accurate, balanced and credible information to make informed electoral decisions,” Chanda said.
She called on broadcasters across the country to uphold fairness and responsibility in their coverage.
“We must exercise fairness, impartiality and responsibility in our reporting. Professional journalism is essential to promoting peace, national unity and public confidence throughout the electoral process,” she said.
Chanda’s remarks come at a time when political activity is intensifying nationwide.
Meanwhile, IBA Director General Webster Malido outlined the regulator’s expectations under the newly reinforced IBA 2026 Election Reporting Guidelines.
Malido said the guidelines were developed to ensure ethical and responsible coverage across radio, television and online broadcasting platforms.
“The guidelines are intended to promote ethical and responsible election coverage. They require broadcasters to provide fair, balanced and accurate reporting, offer equitable access to political parties and candidates, clearly distinguish news from opinion and verify election-related information before publication or broadcast,” he said.
Malido reminded roadcasters to avoid hate speech, inflammatory language and misinformation and also ensure that political programmes, interviews and debates are conducted in an impartial, professional and non-discriminatory manner.
“Only election results officially announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia should be broadcast. Broadcasters must not announce unofficial or unverified results as this is essential in maintaining public confidence, preventing the spread of misinformation and preserving peace during the electoral process,” he added.
He further said that adherence to the IBA 2026 Election Reporting Guidelines is vital in fostering public trust in the media and contributing to a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
The IBA appearance on Rooster FM is part of a broader sensitization drive the Authority says it will roll out in all 10 provinces in the coming months.
©TV Yatu | Sanfrossa Mberi | August 9, 2026.