politics
Zambia elections haunted by ghost of incumbent president’s arch-rival
Hakainde Hichilema is bidding for second term, but feud between him and family of Edgar Lungu, who died in 2025, continues
TL;DR
- The current Zambian election is dominated by the ongoing feud between President Hakainde Hichilema and the late Edgar Lungu's family.
- Lungu's family contested his burial arrangements, with a court ruling in their favor against the government's attempts to control the state funeral.
- Hichilema's challenger, Brian Mundubile, promises to facilitate a dignified burial for Lungu, framing the election around respect for the deceased.
- Allegations of authoritarian tactics by Hichilema's campaign, including raids and detentions, are countered by the ruling party stating the opposition campaigns freely.
- Despite economic stabilization and free education, Zambians question the impact of economic improvements on their daily lives due to rising costs.
- Zambia's economy has stabilized since a 2020 debt default, with reduced inflation and increased international investment due to copper deposits.