UPND’s Broken Promise on the Cyber Security Act: A Tool for Suppressing Dissent?
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
When the United Party for National Development (UPND) took office, they promised a new era of democracy, transparency, and a commitment to Zambian rights. Among these pledges, one stood out: the promise to dismantle the controversial Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. UPND had strongly condemned this law, calling it an oppressive tool of the former government used to crush free speech, silence dissent, and spy on citizens. They assured Zambians that the act would be repealed, making this a cornerstone of their platform. Yet, over a year later, the UPND has not only failed to repeal the act—they’ve strengthened it. This reversal has sparked alarm, with many fearing the administration is using the very tools it once condemned to cement control and silence opposition.
A Dramatic Reversal: From Promise to Power Play
During his campaign, President Hakainde Hichilema presented himself as a defender of democracy and a fierce opponent of legislation infringing on citizens’ rights. The Cyber Security Act was central to this promise, a law UPND labeled a vehicle for state surveillance and control. By pledging to repeal it, UPND positioned itself as a champion of democracy and civil liberties.
Yet reality has been starkly different. In a move that’s disillusioned many Zambians, the UPND has not only preserved the act but expanded it. New provisions now grant government authorities broader surveillance powers, more control over content, and harsher punishments for vaguely defined digital “crimes.” This isn’t just a broken promise; it’s a betrayal of the trust that brought them to power. For many Zambians, this fortified law signals that the UPND is drifting toward authoritarianism, using the law to control public discourse and crush opposition.
A Law Reimagined: A Threat to Dissent and Democracy
Critics see the UPND’s reversal as a departure from democratic values and a dangerous power play. The Cyber Security Act has become a tool for government to monitor and control citizens’ digital activities. Under its tightened provisions, Zambians face increased surveillance, with online expression subject to scrutiny under vague pretenses.
The president’s recent comments about the country’s “overreliance” on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok are telling. They hint that the administration sees social media as a destabilizing force rather than a democratic one. The irony is clear: social media was crucial in Hichilema’s rise, enabling him to engage directly with voters and challenge the former government. Today, however, the administration appears to see these platforms as threats, with the Cyber Security Act as a tool to limit citizens’ power online.
A Battle Over Digital Freedom: Social Media Under Siege
Social media was once a lifeline for Zambians to connect, share ideas, and hold leaders accountable. Yet, under the UPND’s restrictive measures, these platforms have become battlegrounds where dissenting voices face censorship and surveillance. The revised Cyber Security Act gives the government sweeping powers to monitor and control online content, often under the guise of preventing “destabilizing” or “harmful” speech—broad terms that allow the government to target critics.
With new powers to define “harmful” or “destabilizing” content, the government has turned social media from a space of free expression into one of fear. This goes beyond censorship, chilling public debate and weakening social media’s role as a democratic tool. As more citizens self-censor or withdraw from online conversations, the UPND’s actions risk dismantling Zambia’s democratic engagement, transforming a democratic tool into one of intimidation.
Authoritarianism in the Making? The Far-Reaching Implications
The UPND’s decision to reinforce the Cyber Security Act has troubling implications for Zambia’s future. Here are some alarming provisions:
1. Unprecedented Surveillance: The act grants the government unchecked authority to monitor online communications, casting a shadow of suspicion. This builds a culture of fear, discouraging citizens from expressing true views and stifling open dialogue.
2. Broad Content Control: Empowered to regulate “destabilizing” or “harmful” content, the government has wide latitude to silence critics and activists. Weaponizing these vague terms allows authorities to stifle debate, shrink democratic space, and limit opposition platforms.
3. Severe Penalties for “Digital Crimes”: By broadening definitions and intensifying penalties for cyber offenses, the act risks turning mild criticisms into “crimes.” Excessive fines and prison sentences for digital dissent contradict democratic principles, pressuring citizens to self-censor.
4. Device Registration for Tracking: New device registration requirements offer authorities a way to track individuals, facilitating targeted surveillance and raising concerns about profiling opposition voices.
5. Government-Controlled Infrastructure: The government’s authority to control internet infrastructure could theoretically allow it to restrict or block certain sites or platforms, risking selective internet blackouts and limitations on sites critical of the government.
Backlash and Broken Trust: Zambians Demand Accountability
The backlash has been swift, as Zambians across society—from civil groups to journalists—condemn this brazen reversal. Many who once trusted the UPND’s promises now feel deeply betrayed. The failure to repeal the act has undermined the government’s credibility. Instead of building a free Zambia, the UPND seems poised to create a state of surveillance, leaving citizens questioning if their freedoms are slipping away.
The UPND’s move has brought Zambia to a critical point. Citizens face a government more focused on cementing authority than fostering a free society. The fragile democracy, built on transparency, justice, and respect for rights, appears at risk as the government reneges on its commitment to reform.
The Way Forward: Repeal the Law or Face the Consequences
If the UPND is serious about democracy, it must act to repeal or significantly reform the Cyber Security Act. This decision will have lasting effects, either restoring public trust or deepening disillusionment. Surveillance, censorship, and control may provide short-term security for those in power, but they are toxic to the democratic ideals Zambia was built upon. True democracy cannot thrive under constant surveillance.
By revisiting the Cyber Security Act, the UPND has a chance to correct course and reaffirm its commitment to democracy. If it fails, it risks losing its moral standing, leaving the public more skeptical about its promises. Zambia’s democratic future may depend on the UPND’s willingness to prioritize citizens’ rights over political security.
A Call to Action: Protect Zambia’s Right to Freedom
This issue has become a litmus test for the UPND’s legacy and the future of Zambia’s democracy. Citizens are calling on leaders to honor their commitments, safeguard freedoms, and uphold the promises that brought them to power. Zambians deserve leaders who respect free expression and foster an environment where every citizen can speak freely.
For Zambia to move forward, the UPND must keep its promise to repeal this oppressive act, ensuring that freedom, transparency, and accountability remain at its governance core. Zambians deserve leaders who govern with integrity and prioritize the rights of their people. As Zambians, as voters, and as defenders of democracy, we must continue to demand that the UPND lives up to its pledges and ensures that freedom and justice are preserved for all.