Zambia's Electoral Turmoil Haunts Hichilema
· science
The Lasting Legacy of Zambia’s Electoral Turmoil
The elections in Zambia are being haunted by the ghost of President Hakainde Hichilema’s predecessor, Edgar Lungu. This is more than just a lingering specter - it’s a symptom of deeper issues plaguing the country’s electoral landscape.
For over four years, the feud between Hichilema and Lungu dominated Zambian politics. It began long before Lungu’s death in June 2025 and continued even after his passing. The government’s attempts to control the burial process only added fuel to the fire, with the Lungu family accusing Hichilema of disrespecting their deceased leader.
The conflict has had far-reaching consequences for Zambia’s democracy. Allegations have surfaced of authoritarian tactics by Hichilema’s administration, including raids on opposition offices and detentions of Tonse Alliance members. Transparency International monitors have noted a concerning bias in police disruptions of opposition rallies, with activists facing peaceful demonstrations being shut down.
The ongoing feud between Hichilema and Lungu is not just a personal vendetta - it’s a manifestation of deeper structural issues within Zambia’s electoral system. The country’s system has long been criticized for its lack of transparency, with opposition parties facing significant hurdles in their campaigns.
Zambia’s economy has stabilized since the 2020 debt crisis triggered under Lungu, but the cost of living remains a pressing issue for many Zambians. The country’s copper reserves have attracted international investment, but the benefits have yet to trickle down to ordinary citizens.
The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of Hichilema’s leadership and his ability to address these deep-seated issues. With nearly 8.8 million registered voters set to cast their ballots, the stakes are high. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for Zambia’s future. Will Hichilema be able to consolidate his power and address the ongoing issues plaguing Zambia’s electoral system? Or will the legacy of Lungu continue to haunt him, threatening the stability of the country’s democracy?
Reader Views
- TLThe Lab Desk · editorial
While the article correctly identifies the long-standing feud between Hichilema and Lungu as a symptom of deeper issues plaguing Zambia's electoral landscape, it glosses over the role of external factors in perpetuating this conflict. The country's entanglement with China, particularly through debt-for-infrastructure agreements, has given Beijing significant leverage over Lusaka's policy decisions, including those related to elections and governance. This subtle yet pervasive influence must be factored into any analysis of Zambia's electoral turmoil, lest we overlook the elephant in the room: foreign interference.
- DEDr. Elena M. · research scientist
The article raises important questions about Zambia's electoral landscape, but I believe it overlooks one crucial factor: the role of external actors in exacerbating these tensions. International observers have noted that foreign donors and investors often prioritize stability over democratic ideals, which can lead to tacit support for authoritarian tendencies within governments like Hichilema's. A more nuanced examination of Zambia's complex web of international influence would provide a richer understanding of the country's ongoing electoral turmoil.
- CPCole P. · science writer
While the article aptly highlights Zambia's electoral turmoil, I believe it glosses over a critical aspect of Hichilema's presidency: his party's response to the economic benefits generated by copper reserves. Transparency International has noted that while international investment in Zambia's copper sector is on the rise, it disproportionately favors Chinese and Indian conglomerates, leaving local small-scale miners to bear the brunt of market fluctuations. If Hichilema truly wants to alleviate the cost of living for Zambians, he must prioritize more equitable distribution of mining revenue and tackle the structural barriers that perpetuate poverty amidst plenty.