IBA Warns Broadcasters Against Speculative Election Results

 By Alain Kabinda 

LUSAKA — The Independent Broadcasting Authority, IBA, has urged broadcasters to strictly adhere to the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines as Zambia heads to the polls on Thursday.

The guidelines, issued in May, are aimed at promoting accurate, balanced, fair and responsible election coverage while ensuring that the public has access to reliable information to make informed decisions.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka  IBA Director General Webster Malido said  that before general elections the institution conducted a series of election coverage workshops to strengthen broadcasters’ understanding of the guidelines and the legal and professional standards governing election broadcasting.

Mr Malido also commended broadcasters for their overall compliance during the campaign period, although it says some instances of non-compliance have been recorded.

He further reminded broadcasters that election coverage is subject to specific requirements, including restrictions on campaign interviews featuring political parties or candidates on polling day.

Broadcasters have also been cautioned against airing predictions of election outcomes.

He warned  that no new opinion poll results should be broadcast before the close of polling.

Where opinion polls are permitted, broadcasters must disclose information including the source of the poll, the organisation that conducted or sponsored it, the date it was conducted, the population covered, the sample size and the methodology used.

On election results, the IBA has urged broadcasters to exercise the highest levels of accuracy and professionalism.

While stations may provide updates on voting, counting and tallying, they have been warned against announcing speculative, projected or unverified results.

Mr Malido said election results should only be broadcast after they have been officially announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Broadcasters have also been urged to exercise caution when using information obtained from social media, political actors, commentators and other unofficial or unverified sources.

Mr. Malido has called for fair and equitable coverage of all political parties and candidates, with broadcasters expected to provide reasonable opportunities for contestants to communicate their views and policies.

Mr. Malido added against content that promotes hate speech, tribalism, violence, character assassination or the spread of misinformation.

Meanwhile, members of the public, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders have been reminded that complaints concerning election coverage should first be submitted to the broadcasting station concerned.

Stations are required to respond to complaints within two days during the election period.

Where there is no response within the prescribed period, or where a complainant is dissatisfied with the response, the matter can be escalated to the IBA.

The Authority says it will continue monitoring election-related broadcasts throughout the electoral period to ensure compliance with the law and the 2026 Election Coverage Guidelines.

The IBA has called on broadcasters to remain committed to accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting, saying professional and ethical coverage will be critical to supporting a peaceful and credible electoral process.