President Hakainde Hichilema faces a competitive re-election bid in Zambia on August 13, defending his economic record against opposition challenger Brian Mundubile. The high-stakes general election comes amid persistent cost-of-living pressures, copper revenue growth, and rising political tension over public freedoms and campaign violence.
Zambia is heading into the campaign homestretch of one of its most competitive elections in years as more than 8.7 million voters prepare to cast ballots on August 13. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is confident of securing a second term, standing firmly behind his administration’s economic track record since taking office in 2021. Yet the political landscape has tightened significantly, transforming what was once seen as a straightforward contest into a fierce duel against a united opposition coalition.
Economic Realities and Macroeconomic Stability Under the UPND
At the heart of the incumbent’s campaign is a defense of macroeconomic reforms implemented by the United Party for National Development (UPND). According to Bizek Jube Phiri, a political history professor at the University of Zambia cited in regional reporting, the government believes the restructuring of public debt inherited from the previous administration is one of its key achievements.
Supporters point to other stabilizing metrics: the mining sector is a crucial source of revenue, and the state has adopted measures aimed at attracting more investments in the sector. Independent analysts agree that these policies contributed to an improvement in macroeconomic stability. However, opposition figures argue that ordinary households have yet to feel the benefits of these aggregate gains, leaving inflation and purchasing power as vulnerable flanks for the ruling party.
Brian Mundubile and the United Opposition Challenge
The primary vehicle for public discontent is Brian Mundubile, a former member of parliament from the Patriotic Front (PF) who represents a coalition that brings together several opposition parties. The PF, which led the country before its electoral defeat in 2021, has weakened since the departure of several of its leaders. To prevent the dispersal of votes, opposition factions united around Mundubile under the banner of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity.
According to Lee Habasonda, a political science professor at the University of Zambia, the opposition seeks to prevent President Hichilema from obtaining the absolute majority—which requires 50% plus one vote—raising the distinct possibility of a second round. While Hichilema retains strong institutional momentum, the opposition seems to have a stronger foothold in urban centers.
Campaign Tensions, Police Teargassing, and Public Freedoms
The final weeks of campaigning have been marked by pockets of politically motivated violence and clashes over civic rights.
Brian Mundubile said it was regrettable that their peaceful gathering in Mongu was violently disrupted by police officers, maintaining that citizens have a right to assemble without fear, force, or intimidation. He stated that leaders were on stage speaking to the people, including mothers with babies and elderly citizens, when police fired tear gas canisters directly into the crowd, showing a complete disregard for human life and basic rights. Brian Mundubile, Opposition Presidential Candidate
Civil society organizations have added their voices to mounting concerns over public space and free expression. Linda Kasonde, a lawyer and chair of the LCK Freedom Foundation, argued that cybersecurity and cybercrime laws are being used to limit civic expression, noting an ongoing prosecution against Zambian Socialist Party founder and journalist Fred M’membe. Civil activist Laura Miti similarly criticized the police service for selective enforcement, alleging that law enforcement agencies fail to crack down on ruling party supporters engaging in intimidation.
President Hichilema Responds to Democratic Competition
Addressing the rising political temperature during his media appearances, President Hichilema insisted that his administration welcomes political competition and views it as a sign of a healthy democracy.
President Hichilema stated that he is personally happy for democracy, adding that this is how it should be and that there is a need to compete for a country like Zambia. He said competition should not worry anyone, that it is important, and that they wish their colleagues well. He further noted that the job is not yet finished, acknowledging that while they cannot create employment for everyone at once, opportunities will arise as the country continues to grow. President Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia
Concurrent legislative elections will take place alongside the presidential vote on August 13, deciding the composition of parliament and the next government’s ability to implement its agenda. As voters head to the polls, the election will test whether macroeconomic recovery can withstand popular economic frustrations and whether political actors can keep a tightly contested race peaceful.