Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term in August, with his economic record since 2021 at the center of the campaign. Hichilema inherited a debt-ridden economy and has since overseen a recovery fueled by high copper prices and debt restructuring, with inflation easing to an eight-year low. Yet many Zambians still struggle with living costs, a vulnerability opposition candidate Brian Mundubile intends to exploit. Mundubile, a lawyer making his first presidential run, has united a fractured opposition and accuses Hichilema of suppressing dissent through a controversial cybercrimes law and constitutional changes expanding parliament. Hichilema has, however, denied restricting the opposition. While polling suggests that Hichilema retains a lead, analysts caution that the race isn’t settled. Ultimately, the election’s outcome will signal whether Zambia’s democratic institutions can withstand pressure and will test if economic recovery translates into political reward.
CNBC Africa