Zambia elections haunted by ghost of incumbent president’s arch-rival
Summary
Zambia is holding elections where the rivalry between current President Hakainde Hichilema and his late predecessor Edgar Lungu still affects politics. Hichilema is running for a second term while facing opposition linked to Lungu’s supporters, with conflicts over Lungu’s burial and accusations of unfair treatment during the campaign.Key Facts
- Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election after beating Edgar Lungu in 2021.
- Edgar Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025; his burial caused legal disputes.
- Lungu’s family opposed a state funeral overseen by President Hichilema.
- The main opposition candidate, Brian Mundubile, was a government chief whip under Lungu.
- Mundubile’s team promises to bring Lungu’s body back to Zambia for a respectful burial.
- The opposition accuses Hichilema of authoritarian actions like office raids and detentions.
- The ruling party denies these claims, saying the opposition can campaign freely this time.
- Zambia’s economy has improved since an earlier crisis, with lower inflation and free education introduced.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
