Free Internet Petition Gains Over 1,000 Signatures

Our free internet petition now has over 1,000 signatures. Thank you very much to everyone who has signed so far - your support is helping to hold MTN and Airtel accountable and keep Zambia’s democracy safe.

With the election now just ten days away, free access to the internet is more important than ever. Not only is it vital for informing voters about election issues, including how and where to vote, but it is also instrumental in allowing election observers to communicate and report on potential irregularities. Without access to the internet, Zambia’s elections risk being overrun by violence and corruption.

There is still lots of work to do however. Over the weekend, MTN told the Daily Maverick newspaper it could not rule out shutting down internet access during the 12 August general elections. This is totally unacceptable and as such we have written to both MTN and Airtel demanding that they issue a statement promising to keep the internet on throughout this month’s elections.  

This is why your help is so crucial. Without pressure from their customers - the Zambian people - big telecommunications companies will not lift a finger to protect the rights of ordinary voters. It is up to you to speak out. If you haven’t already please consider signing our petition to protect Zambia’s democracy. And if you have already signed, please share this petition and encourage your friends and family to sign up as well. Together, we can prove that Zambia’s democracy doesn’t have an off switch. 

SIGN HERE: http://chng.it/mBJ9FF5bMT