Zambia election pits Hichilema against Mundubile

Zambia’s presidential election on Thursday, August 13, has drawn 14 candidates, but analysts cited by AFP say the race has narrowed mainly to President Hakainde Hichilema and opposition challenger Brian Mundubile.

Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second and final five-year term. He won office in 2021 on his sixth attempt, unseating Edgar Lungu after years as Zambia’s main opposition figure and taking power with the country in sovereign default.

His government has secured a debt restructuring agreement, restored an International Monetary Fund programme and returned the economy to growth. Many Zambians, however, say the gains have not reached households, with food prices, unemployment and poverty central campaign concerns.

Mundubile, 55, is a lawyer, former minister under Lungu and former leader of the opposition in parliament. A fractured anti-government camp rallied around him through the Tonse Alliance. He has accused Hichilema’s government of focusing on economic reforms while failing to bring relief to households.

Mundubile’s running mate is Makebi Zulu, a former Patriotic Front lawmaker who also speaks for Lungu’s family. Joseph Siegle, director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, told AFP that Mundubile’s key test is whether he can convert voter discontent into support, especially among young people.

Harry Kalaba, a former foreign minister under Lungu, is also running as leader of the Citizens First party. He finished third in the 2021 election with less than one percent of the vote.

Up to 8.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots. Zambians will also elect a larger parliament, with directly elected members rising to 226 from 156. Polling stations are due to open at 0600 local time and close 12 hours later. Presidential results are due August 17, according to the electoral commission’s calendar. A candidate needs more than 50 percent of valid votes to win outright, otherwise the top contenders face a run-off.

The campaign has been marked by some violence and allegations of intimidation. Police have used tear gas to disperse clashes between rival supporters, while Mundubile’s National Republican Party has accused authorities of restricting its campaign activity. Mundubile also alleged last week that snipers were deployed at a campaign event in Mongu, west of Lusaka. Critics including Human Rights Watch say Hichilema has become increasingly intolerant of dissent; his government rejects the accusations.