Key facts
- Zambians are voting in a presidential election with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term.
- The election is heavily influenced by the legacy and burial dispute of former President Edgar Lungu, Hichilema's late rival.
- Opposition leader Brian Mundubile is Hichilema's main challenger, promising to facilitate Lungu's burial in Zambia.
- The opposition accuses Hichilema of authoritarian tactics, which his team denies.
- Zambia's economy has stabilized with reduced inflation, but the cost of living remains a concern for voters.
Zambians began casting their votes on Thursday in a presidential election that will determine if incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema's economic reforms have been sufficient to overcome widespread frustration over the cost of living. Approximately 8.8 million people are registered to vote in the one-day election, which also includes parliamentary and local councilor races. Results are anticipated by Monday. Hichilema faces 13 other candidates, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile of the Tonse Alliance expected to be his strongest challenger. The election is largely seen as a referendum on Hichilema's economic stewardship since he took office in 2021. He contends that he inherited a struggling economy and has since overseen the restructuring of Zambia's substantial foreign debt, fostered economic growth, and attracted investment. However, many citizens report that they have not experienced these benefits, as unemployment, rising food prices, and an unreliable electricity supply continue to burden households. The election's political climate is significantly shaped by the legacy of former President Edgar Lungu, Hichilema's late arch-rival, who died in June 2025. A dispute over Lungu's burial, initially involving the Zambian government's attempt to prevent a state funeral, led to a legal battle. South Africa's supreme court of appeal ultimately ruled in favor of Lungu's family, overturning a lower court's decision that had supported the government. Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, who previously served as the Lungu family's spokesperson, have pledged to ensure Lungu receives a dignified burial in Zambia. Experts highlight the cultural importance of funeral rites in Zambia and how perceived disrespect can negatively impact an incumbent's public image. The opposition has also leveled accusations of authoritarian conduct against Hichilema's administration during the campaign, citing office raids and the detention of 36 members of Mundubile's team. Hichilema's supporters have strongly refuted these claims, drawing parallels to Lungu's alleged suppression of the opposition in 2021, when Hichilema himself faced multiple arrests and media outlets experienced shutdowns. Transparency International Zambia has documented instances where police have disrupted opposition rallies, suggesting a potential bias against opposition parties. Activists have also reported the suppression of peaceful demonstrations. Economically, Zambia has experienced stabilization since its 2020 debt default under Lungu's presidency. Annual inflation has decreased to 6.5% from 24.6% in July 2021, and the government has introduced free primary and secondary education. The country has also attracted international investment, particularly in its copper sector. Hichilema recently announced a 50% increase in the university accommodation allowance for students. Nevertheless, the cost of living remains a significant concern for voters, with average incomes having risen but prices nearly doubling between 2021 and 2025.