Zambia’s presidential election is shaping up as a close contest between incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and opposition leader Brian Mundubile, despite 14 candidates being on the ballot.
The first round is scheduled to be held on August 13. The cost of living has emerged as a major issue, with the opposition criticizing the Government over persistent inflation and economic pressures facing households.
Hichilema’s UPND is defending its economic record, particularly its restructuring of Zambia’s public debt, which the government inherited at a high level when it took office in 2021. Analysts acknowledge improvements in economic stability but say the benefits have yet to fully translate into lower living costs for many Zambians.
The management of Zambia’s mineral resources, particularly the revenues generated from the sector, is another key campaign issue. Government incentives aimed at attracting investors have drawn criticism from some economists, who argue that they could reduce potential state revenues.
The opposition is being led by Mundubile, a former Patriotic Front (PF) lawmaker. The PF, which governed Zambia before losing the 2021 election, has weakened considerably following the death of its former leader and ex-President Edgar Lungu, with several of its members joining the opposition coalition.
Political analysts expect a closely fought election, particularly in urban areas. The opposition is seeking to prevent the ruling party from securing more than 50 per cent of the vote, which would force a run-off, while the UPND is campaigning for a first-round victory.
Concerns over civil liberties have also featured prominently in the campaign. Critics accuse the government of replacing previous cybercrime and cybersecurity laws with legislation they consider equally restrictive, warning that the laws have created a climate of fear among citizens.
Tensions have also been reported at opposition campaign events, with allegations that ruling-party supporters disrupted some rallies, resulting in clashes and injuries. Both Hichilema and Mundubile have called for calm and peaceful elections as voters prepare to elect the President and members of Parliament.