Zambians will vote on Thursday, August 13, in a presidential and parliamentary election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema gets another five years to pursue his economic reforms or whether a newly assembled opposition alliance can end his first term in power.
Hichilema, 64, is seeking a second and final term after defeating then president Edgar Lungu in 2021. He remains the favourite, but the race has attracted greater attention than expected as the opposition has rallied behind Brian Mundubile, a former Patriotic Front lawmaker and minister.
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The election is also the first to be held under major changes to Zambia’s electoral system, including an expanded National Assembly and new proportional representation seats reserved for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
For voters, however, the biggest question may be simpler: has Hichilema’s economic recovery improved their lives enough to earn him another term?
